Fans may argue who exactly is the franchise player for the Detroit Lions. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are possibilities on the offensive side, but I would argue that it is Ndamukong Suh because of his tenacity and performance on the defensive line. The team decided to shore up the line even further by selecting defensive tackle Nick Fairley out of Auburn with the … [Read more...] about Detroit Lions Smartly Surround Suh With Talent
mikel leshoure
Mikel Leshoure Drafted by the Detroit Lions
Never mind that the Detroit Lions already have a starting running back. Never mind that the previous few starting running backs of the Lions have had...ummm...injury problems. Mikel Leshoure is happy to be there. With the 57th pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, Mikel Leshoure became the latest Illini runner to make the leap to the NFL, this after slipping from a late-first … [Read more...] about Mikel Leshoure Drafted by the Detroit Lions
NFL Draft’s First Two Rounds Will Feature Some Illini
For the fourth year in a row, the first couple rounds of the NFL Draft will feature a couple names from your Illinois Fighting Illini. Tailback Rashard Mendendall went in the first round in '08, cornerback Vontae Davis was the 25th overall pick in '09, and last year, wide receiver Arrelious Benn was just a couple picks off from being a first round selection. With all this … [Read more...] about NFL Draft’s First Two Rounds Will Feature Some Illini
Illini RB Mikel Leshoure Entering NFL Draft
Illini junior running back Mikel Leshoure held a new conference at his alma mater, Champaign Centennial high school, where he announced his entrance into the NFL Draft. And with the choice to hold a presser on this decision at his high school, he has has yet another trait in common with Pittsburgh Steelers tailback Rashard Mendenhall. Expect to hear even more Mendenhall … [Read more...] about Illini RB Mikel Leshoure Entering NFL Draft
Breaking: Illini LB Martez Wilson Entering NFL Draft
And the first of the three Illinois Fighting Illini dominoes falls. Linebacker Martez Wilson, the player with the lowest draft stock of the three, is declaring for the NFL Draft. This is a big surprising to me, as he had a good, but not great season in 2010. And his junior season was much more productive than his other two years in school. Still, you know the NFL scouts love … [Read more...] about Breaking: Illini LB Martez Wilson Entering NFL Draft
Mikel Leshoure to Rashard Mendenhall Comparisons Running Wild Now
Given that they are/were both Illinois Fighting Illini, wore the same jersey number, played the same position, and didn't break out until their junior year (and when they broke out, they really did it in style) it's inevitable to compare current Illini tailback Mikel Leshoure to current Pittsbrugh Steelers star running back Rashard Mendenhall. Heck, I wrote a column about it … [Read more...] about Mikel Leshoure to Rashard Mendenhall Comparisons Running Wild Now
Texas Bowl Sees Illinois and Baylor Break Numerous Records
Last night's college football match-up won38-14 by the Illinois Fighting Illini over Baylor broke a bunch of Texas Bowl, bowl history in the city of Houston, as well as Illinois and Baylor records. Seriously, there were a ton, but here are some of the most notable. -The Illini tied the Texas Bowl record for most points scored 38 and most net yards gained at 533. -Leshoure … [Read more...] about Texas Bowl Sees Illinois and Baylor Break Numerous Records
Scheelhaase, Illini Put Texas (Bowl) Sized Whooping on Baylor
It was exactly like the first (and only) time Chicago and Houston met in a major postseason sporting event. Granted the stakes in the college football Texas Bowl were much lower than that of the 2005 MLB World Series between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros; and Baylor University is about as geographically far from Houston as the University of Illinois is from … [Read more...] about Scheelhaase, Illini Put Texas (Bowl) Sized Whooping on Baylor
Texas Forever! Illini vs. Baylor: Brutally Honest Bowl Game Preview
Like they say in Dillon, deep in the heart of Texas, "Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. CAN'T LOSE!" Yes, the Illinois Fighting Illini best adopt the philosophy of fictional football Coach Erik Taylor and his East Dillon Lions in the dramatic television series "Friday Night Lights." The Illini have their work cut out for them, only 1.5 point underdogs, but they're playing in enemy … [Read more...] about Texas Forever! Illini vs. Baylor: Brutally Honest Bowl Game Preview
Illini RB Mike Leshoure Sweeps National Player of the Week Awards
Illinois Fighting Illini running back Mikel Leshoure is to this week's national player of the week college football awards what Ohio State's Evan Turner was to last year's college basketball player of the year awards. Leshoure was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week, Walter Camp Foundation National Player of the Week, Rivals.com National Player of the Week and College … [Read more...] about Illini RB Mike Leshoure Sweeps National Player of the Week Awards