A look at the legacy of Peoria players becoming Fighting Illini. Many Peoria players donned the Orange and Blue prior to 1993, including Illini greats like Derek Holcombe (1979-81), Mark Smith (1978-81), Tony Wysinger (1984-87).
However, when Jerry Hester started his Illini career in 1993-94, it started a 20 year run of Peoria players representing the Fighting Illini – including Sergio McClain, Marcus Griffin, Frank Williams, Jerrance Howard, Brian Randle, Bill Cole, D.J. Richardson.
Now after three years without any Peoria representation on the roster, Peoria Manual's DaMonte Williams, son of Illini great Frank Williams, will suit up for Illinois next season.
