CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The University of Illinois football team returned to training camp this week, and the co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach was on hand to talk about new and returning players. Coach Terrance Jamison discussed how they holistically look at training this year’s defensive players. “I am with them on and off the field, to make sure they have the mental and physical aspects of the game. Physically, how they train and develop our skill set – the fundamentals,” said Jamison. “We tailor that for each of our players, and their personal skill set. We want smart ball players. We teach them things. We expose them to things. We practice specific game situations.”
The Illini defense is under a microscope, hoping to improve from last year’s team record of 5-7.
One of the major highlights of a new season is the array of new and returning talent including DL TeRah Edwards, LB Dylan Rosiek, and DB Miles Scott. Scott says of his leadership role with his teammates, “I am a vocal person; I don’t have a problem raising my voice on the football field so I can get us all on the same page.”
Reflecting on the previous season, the team faced multiple challenges and lost key players in the off-season. Edwards, who played in all 13 games in 2023, says, “Coach Jamison has a great reputation, and I appreciate the blessings and opportunities to take advantage of that. My goal is to go out there with a positive mindset and do my job well.”
Key games to watch will be against conference rivals, which will serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of the new defensive schemes. The Illini football season kicks off pre-season play on Thursday, August 29th at Memorial Stadium.