Class of '07: Where are they now?
Ron Zook's recruiting Class of 2007 was one of the best in school history. Here's what happened:
DT Daryle Ballew (Cincinnati) — Redshirt in 2007 played 31 games the next three seasons, currently working in Chicago
WR Arrelious Benn (Washington, D.C.) — Second-round pick as early NFL draft entry, caught 30 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns for Buccaneers after recovering from knee injury suffered as a rookie
DT Josh Brent (Bloomington) — Supplemental draft choice just finished his second season with the Cowboys, recording six stops as a backup nose tackle
DB Nate Bussey (Washington, D.C.) — Benn's quarterback in high school, the rookie seventh-round draft pick was activated for two New Orleans Saints playoff games
OL Jack Cornell (Quincy) — Part-time starter in 2010 moved into the lineup full time for his fifth season. Also served as SID intern
RB Daniel Dufrene (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) — Originally a Vanderbilt signee, finished Illinois career with 1,233 yards. Now playing with the Chicago Slaughter of the IFL
DB Bo Flowers (Maywood) — Ex-minor leaguer, who played in 27 games during the 2007-09 seasons, finished his career at Illinois State. On his last play, he intercepted a pass against Eastern Illinois.
DB Brian Gamble (Massillon, Ohio) — Scored a touchdown in 2007 win at Ohio State but was dismissed from school because of off-the-field issues. Transferred to Ashland (Ohio) but didn't complete his eligibility there. Back in Massillon area
OL Mike Garrity (Batavia) — Bar arrest cost him his Illinois scholarship. Transferred to Eastern Illinois, where he started one game in 2010. Backup right tackle in 2011, he hurt his knee and played in five games.
QB Phil Haig (Mendota Heights, Minn.) — Late signee switched to baseball at Illinois. Kicked off Dan Hartleb's team after arrest for theft of electronic equipment
RB Deries Hodge (Harrisburg, Pa.) — Failed to meet academic requirements, he attended Milford (N.Y.) Academy with intention of signing with Illinois in 2008. Never did sign
OL Mark Jackson (Cincinnati) — Left Illinois because of off-the-field issues, he played a year at College of DuPage. Later, transferred to Glenville (W.Va.) State, where he is a two-time all-league player with a season left
DE Steve Matas (Mentor, Ohio) — Personal reasons kept him from attending Illinois. Remained in Ohio and never played college football
DT D'Angelo McCray (Jacksonville, Fla.) — After a year at Illinois, transferred to EIU. Went to junior college, played in nine games in 2010 at Memphis. Switched to offensive line in 2011, starting five games before season ended by knee injury
WR Anthony Morris (Harvey) — Never enrolled at Illinois because of academic issues. Injured in a car accident, he later played at Arizona Western College
RB Troy Pollard (Jacksonville, Fla.) — "Bucket of Hair" saved his best for last, gaining 475 yards in his final season with the Illini
DB Darius Purcell (Chicago) — After moving to fullback early in his career, he left the program. Tried a brief, unsuccessful return during Camp Rantoul
LB Erique Robertson (Maple Heights, Ohio) — Early enrollee, suspended from team for illegal discharge of firearm. Played at Urbana (Ohio) University in 2010 and plans to play 2012 season at Central State
LB Ian Thomas (Hyattsville, Md.) — Prolific tackler moved from inside to outside back to inside, helped defense to No. 7 national ranking in 2011
DB Marcus Thomas (Chicago) — "Miami," a standout as a freshman in 2007, suffered two knee injuries and wasn't academically eligible in 2011
OL Craig Wilson (Harvey) — Longtime backup on offensive line moved over to defense for his final season and saw limited playing time
LB Martez Wilson (Chicago) — Third-round draft choice played in 13 games for the Saints in 2011, starting once and finishing with 10 tackles
This is a classic example of why religously reading and digesting all of the foam coming from the likes of Rivals.com and the one and only Tom "He'll play on Sundays" Lemming is a waste of time.
The word in 2007 was that the Illini stole Cornell (after he decommited from Mich St) and it was such a monumental signing!!! Showed everyone just how great Zook and his staff could close the deal. Ummm - how did Michigan State do without him?
Ummm - how did the Illini do with him? Great running game this year - and Nathan must still have nightmares about running for his life!!!
Breaking and entering - firearms - academics - "personal issues" - and just not panning out - - no one has a crystal ball when it comes to this stuff.
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