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Zachary Draves

Zachary Draves

Joined: Jun 29, 2024

Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

College Football Analyst Reveals The Key Matchup In Illinois-Nebraska Game

ESPN analyst Greg Mcelory gives his take on what he perceives is the critical matchup going into the Illinois Fighting Illini's game against Nebraska

Zachary Draves
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Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski (12) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Hank Beatty (80) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Wants WR Hank Beatty Contributing In Multiple Areas

The Illinois Fighting Illini will continue to look for wide receiver Hank Beatty to be versatile as both a wide receiver and punt returner. The Illini open Big Ten play Friday against Nebraska

Zachary Draves
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Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Uses NSFW Acronym To Describe Feelings About Top 25 Rankings

Even though the Illinois Fighting Illini are ranked No. 24, they aren't harping on it entering Friday's Big Ten opener against Nebraska

Zachary Draves
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) before the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Crowded Backfield Creates Challenges For Illini's Bret Bielema

Illinois freshman running back Ca'Lil Valentine has already made quite the impression with his quickness and ability to pick up the tempo

Zachary Draves
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Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the second half against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illini Turns Focus To Preparing For Nebraska Freshman QB Dylan Raiola

As the Fighting Illini gear up to take on the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Friday, coach Bret Bielema took time out to tout the play of Nebraska's freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola

Zachary Draves
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Sep 14, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) stiff arms Central Michigan Chippewas defensive lineman Jaden Davis (95) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Illinois Walks Away With Homecoming Victory Over Central Michigan

The Illinois Fighting Illini get off to their best season start since 2011 with a homecoming victory over Central Michigan 30-9.

Zachary Draves
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Mar 28, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. (0) reacts after making a basket against the Iowa State Cyclones in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Terrence Shannon Jr., Mother File Lawsuit Alleging "Malicious Prosecution" In Rape Trial

Former Illini standout and current Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Terrence Shannon Jr. and his mother file a lawsuit against the Lawrence County Police Department and District Attorney alleging a "malicious prosecution" in recent rape trial

Zachary Draves
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Jul 23, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini outside linebacker Gabe Jacas speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Illini LB Gabe Jacas Embraces New Versatility Role

Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas is loving his new role of taking on two positions to maximize his skills

Zachary Draves
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Sep 7, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Zakhari Franklin (4) runs for a first down as Kansas Jayhawks safety Marvin Grant (4) pursues during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Zakhari Franklin's Performance Against Kansas Could Be A Sign Of Things To Come

Illinois transfer wide receiver Zakhari Franklin's solid game and one handed catch against Kansas might not be a fleeting moment

Zachary Draves
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bret Bielema Expects Upset Win Over Kansas To Provide Recruiting Boost

Illinois coach Bret Bielema wants one of the biggest wins in program history to help usher in a big number of future recruits

Zachary Draves
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Aug 29, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema greets running back Ca'Lil Valentine (5) before the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

RB Ca'Lil Valentine's First Down Helped Secure Illinois Upset Victory Over Kansas

Before a sold out crowd, the Illinois Fighting Illini upset victory over Kansas was solidified thanks to the first down of freshman running back Ca'Lil Valentine

Zachary Draves
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Feb 25, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Shauna Green watches her team play the Iowa Hawkeyes during the second half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Illinois Women's Basketball Lands Five-Star Recruit Destiny Jackson

The Illinois women's basketball game lands their biggest recruit for the class of 2025 with five star guard Destiny Jackson of Whitney Young High School in Chicago

Zachary Draves
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