In a season that has already been a resounding success in almost every measure, the team has seemingly garnered more national praise each week. Chances are, if a team is having a historical season then there are at least a couple of individuals that are having breakout years. With five nominees for the more prestigious college football awards Illinois is no exception to that. With just four weeks left in the regular season the award lists are starting to become finalized.
So, who has been nominated so far, and for what?
Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award: Semifinalist
Gabe Jacas: Outside Linebacker
What is it?
Exactly what it says it is. It goes to the nation’s top freshman player of the year. The award’s inaugural season was 2018-19 when it was given to Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Jacas would be only the second defensive player to receive the award. The only other defender has been Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. in 2020-21.
Jacas has had a solid year for the country’s best defense recording 22 total tackles and four sacks. The true freshman has looked anything but. His ability to consistently impose his will has been more than impressive and looks nothing of a kid who just graduated high school six months ago. Illinois fans may have a legitimate future Bednarik Award candidate in waiting.
Burlsworth Trophy: Nominee
Michael Marchese: Tight End
What is it?
The Burlsworth award is presented to the most outstanding player who began his career as a walk-on. It’s inaugural season was 2010-11 and was awarded to Georgia Tech’s Sean Bedford. Marchese is the first Illinois player to be nominated for the award since defensive back Clayton Fejedelem in 2015. No Illini have ever won the award.
The senior tight end has put together a decent campaign so far and is currently tied for second on the team with two touchdown receptions. Marchese is averaging an incredible 19.4 yards per reception so far. This is likely the least “prestigious” awards on the list, but man this is the coolest one in my opinion. From nothing, to scrapping your way into a scholarship on a loaded team, to being nominated here is nothing short of an incredible accomplishment.
Bednarik Award: Semifinalist
Devon Witherspoon: Cornerback
What is it?
The Bednarik award is presented to the college football defensive player of the year. It’s inaugural season was in 1994 given to Northwestern linebacker Pat Fitzgerald, who was one of only two players in it’s history to win the award twice. No Illinois player has ever won the award. Illinois is one of only two teams (Alabama) in the country who have two Bednarik Semifinalists.
Witherspoon may not posses the gaudy interception numbers, but his 13 forced incompletions and QB rating allowed rank first and sixth among all FBS corners according to PFF. As the heart and soul of Illinois’ defensive backfield he thrives on an “island” in coverage and loves to stick his nose in the run game making the Illini defense truly elite in it’s ability to stop the run.
Bednarik Award: Semifinalist
Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton: Defensive Lineman
Newton is the anchor for the Fighting Illini’s defensive front, also known as “The Lawfirm”. The Sophomore has been a force to be reckoned with tallying 39 total tackles, five sacks, and one fumble recovery according to ESPN. You don’t lead the country in almost every major statistic without having an elite front and Newton is just one of three incredible players that total over 900 pounds but can move like linebackers. That Illinois defense will be a problem for just about any opposing offense in the country.
Maxwell Award: Semifinalist
Chase Brown: Running Back
What is it?
The Maxwell Award is presented to the best college football player similar to that of the Heisman. The only difference is in how they’re voted on. The Maxwell is voted on by panel of sportscasters, sportswriters, and head coaches while the Heisman is voted by journalists, previous Heisman winners, and now by the fans. The Maxwell originated in 1937 and the inaugural award was presented to Yale running back Clint Frank. No Illinois player has ever won the award.
Brown is having a historically great campaign for the University of Illinois. Rushing for 1,208 yards and five touchdowns while also being effective in the passing game catching a team leading 3 touchdowns. His 1,208 yards through eight games has him on pace for 1,812 yards in the regular season — that would be good enough to break Mikel Leshoure’s single season record of 1,697 rushing yards set in 2010. That is without figuring in a likely Big Ten Championship game and a bowl game on top of that. Illinois could very possibly end up with a 2,000+ rusher this year and it’s not being talked about enough.
As good as quarterback Tommy DeVito has been, and he could win a couple games himself if he had to, but this offense lives and dies by Chase Brown. It will be a shame if Brown doesn’t get the invite to New York for the Heisman simply over a lack of touchdowns. In 2019 there were four 2,000-yard rushers, college football hasn’t had one since. He may have not been the sexy pick at the beginning of the season, but it’s time everyone adjusts their sights and appreciates what is going on in Champaign.
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