'07 IL DE Josh Brent (Illinois signee)

[devily_buck]

After reading the article I can also understand why he ultimately chose to stay closer to home and play for the Illini. With all of the uncertainty surrounding his mother's health issues, how many of us would move the hundreds of miles to Columbus?

Sounds like Brent is a good kid.

[Buckskin86]

Brent, a 6-foot-2, 320-pounder from Bloomington Central Catholic, was already turning heads with his advanced play when he suffered a sprained knee Saturday night. He'll be out for a week or so, but Zook clearly likes Brent's chances to join the defensive line rotation immediately and perhaps be an integral part of the goal-line defense.

"He's been very impressive in one-on-one drills," Zook said. "There's a suddenness to Josh and you can't coach that. It's exciting."

Herald & Review | Looking for a fresh start, By MARK TUPPER H&R Executive Sports Editor

[ShakerBuck]

got a big sack today against wiscy. His first of the year. Not sure if he started, but he definately gets meaningful reps. Looks to be a good one

[crazybuckfan40]

Brent and Heyward would be an awesome tandem to have...

But if we would of got Brent not sure if we would of gotten Heyward...

Either way things seemed to have worked out for both schools and both kids...

[Buckskin86]

Illinois notebook: Josh Brent to step into major role
By John Supinie
GateHouse News Service
Mon Aug 18, 2008

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -
This isn't how Illinois sophomore defensive tackle Josh Brent wanted to earn a starting spot. With roommate Sirod Williams out for the season with anterior cruciate ligament damage in his right knee, Brent gets a major role after spot duty last fall.

"Now it's my time to step up and be there for the team,'' said Brent, who took over the vacant starting spot in a defensive line that's called the team's strength by coach Ron Zook.

Brent stepped into the starting lineup after Williams' injury last week. While classmates Arrelious Benn was the Big Ten Conference freshman of the year last season and linebacker Martez Wilson made some big plays on special teams, Brent also arrived on campus with lofty recruiting ratings.

Named a prep All-America by two recruiting services, the Bloomington Central Catholic product was rated as the No. 3 prospect in the Midwest by the Detroit Free Press. After turning down offers from Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, Brent played in 10 games last season -- his first year. An injury opened the door, but Brent's work in the offseason left him ready to answer the challenge.

Following the advice of strength coach Lou Hernandez, Brent dropped roughly 25 pounds this summer. There's still plenty of him left, yet the 6-foot-2, 310-pounder can already feel a difference. Amazingly mobile for a big man, Brent felt his first step is much better this season. He's a more mature, confident player after his transition to college a year ago.

"My reaction time is much quicker than it was my freshman year,'' Brent said. "That goes with losing the weight, having a year under your belt and knowing the pace of the game. You have a little more confidence of the coaches. You have a little bit of swagger. The team is behind you. Now you're just focused on making plays.''

With defensive tackle David Lindquist plus defensive ends Derek Walker and Will Davis returning as starters, Brent takes over a position where Chris Norwell made 46 starts over the past four seasons.

"Josh had a great summer, and obviously he was going to be in the mix,'' co-defensive coordinator Dan Disch said. "He was ready for the opportunity. Let's see how he takes it.''

Illinois notebook: Josh Brent to step into major role - Freeport, IL - The Journal-Standard