Aaron Henry - new DC at Illinois

[roanoke]

I watched Illinois’ defense play a really inspired game against Mississippi State. I was most impressed with their young corners and secondary. They played very aggressively.

The defense shifted in and out of coverages. It was a bit of a clinic - even if in a losing effort.

Imagine my surprise to realize that the architect of this inspired performance was Vanderbilt’s cornerbacks coach in 2020. He has recruited absolute stud dbs to Illinois and been promoted to DC after Illinois’ star DC got a head coaching gig. Mason insisted on a bend don’t break, cushion secondary that contributed to a miserable 2020 season. It really makes you wonder. Maybe Aaron Henry just got lucky at Illinois - but for the moment it appears we let a good one get away….

[BrentVU]

Henry's defense was No. 1 in the nation this season in points given up (12.8) and was second in yards per game allowed.