Benn out, Henry in?
Posted By: Gary Zeeman 12/17/09
Arrelious Benn is no longer part of Fighting Illini Football.
The junior WR decided yesterday to make the leap to the NFL.
This is the third straight year that an Illini junior is leaving
the team early (Mendenhall, Davis) to cash in on the big bucks
and get away from the Zooker. Benn is projected to be a
mid-first round draft pick.
It will be interesting to see what Benn
has to say about his now former program. When Mendenhall
left after the Illini had a great season and made it to the Rose
Bowl, the Pittsburgh Steeler standout was less than enthused
when talking about his former coach.
As Deadspin reported in 2008,
"To tell you the truth, as long as Ron Zook is there it will be
hard for me to support the University of Illinois football
team," Mendenhall said.
I really have to wonder if Benn will say anything like this.
Mendenhall left strictly because he didn't like Zook.
Vontae Davis left after last season because of a 5-7 campaign
after his leadership and work ethic were questioned by the
Zooker. His draft stock was pretty high as well.
So why is Benn leaving? I think it could be a number of
things. Internal rift with the coaching staff? The
team coming off a 3-win season? Doesn't want to hurt draft
stock any more with the chance of getting hurt next year?
Whatever it is, I look forward to hearing from him.
Whatever the reason, this will be a big blow to the Illini.
Sohpomore WRs A.J. Jenkins and Cordale Scott, along with TE
Hubie Graham have already decided to transfer. Charest may
also leave the offense with rumors that he may transfer.
The departure of Benn could mean the loss on more recruits.
The Illini are shorthanded in recruiting with only 9 commits
(according to Rivals) as of right now. DB Corey Cooper is
considering withdrawing his commitment for Notre Dame as well.
There is only one offensive commit (QB Chandler Whitmer) and one
athlete (Daniel Easterly) who seems to project better as a DB.
I feel this is unacceptable. 9 recruits? I thought
the Zooker was supposed to be a good recruiter. Well,
where are the recruits? He's loading up on 3 star players
which is fine, but there aren't very many of them. Every
other school in the Big Ten has at least 15 and Illinois has a
low 9. How are we supposed to fill the holes on offense
when there are no offensive players on the team?
Well, it looks like we're close to getting Trulon Henry, Benn's
25-year-old brother as well. Great, another defensive back
with off the field issues. He'll fit right in...
Nice job Zooker! |