Offensive lineman Eric Block became the 11th freshman to play for Illinois this season when he took the field in the third quarter of last weekend’s loss to Penn State. The others are running back Rashard Mendenhall; wide receivers Derrick McPhearson, Kyle Hudson and Will Davis; tight ends Greg McClendon and Michael Nabolotny; linebackers Brit Miller and Rodney Pittman; defensive end Sirod Williams; and defensive tackle Tremayne Walker.
Used sparingly earlier, Mendenhall ran nine times for 34 yards and caught a team-high four passes for 30 yards against the Nittany Lions.
Coach Ron Zook explained his philosophy on playing freshmen rather than redshirting them: “On one side you don’t want to waste a young man’s year. On the other side, if he can help the football team, I say use him.”
