2017 Illini in the NFL
Three former Illini are still alive in the 2017 NFL playoffs and headed to Sunday's Conference Championship Weekend – Ted Karras (Patriots), Carroll Phillips (Jaguars) and Dawuane Smoot (Jaguars). In addition, WR Arrelious Benn is a member of the Jaguars but he was placed on Injured Reserve prior to Week 11 with a knee injury. The Patriots will host the Jaguars on Sunday (2:05 pm CT) with a strip to Super Bowl LII on the line.
Former Illini Justin Hardee and Michael Hoomanawanui of the New Orleans Saints were eliminated on Sunday in dramatic fashion as Minnesota defeated the Saints on a walk-off 61-yard touchdown.
ILLINI IN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND
AFC Championship – Sunday, Jan. 21
Jacksonville (Phillips, Smoot) at New England (Karras) – 2:05 pm CT on CBS
ILLINI IN THE PLAYOFFS – Divisional Round
» Justin Hardee, CB, New Orleans Saints – The rookie saw 19 plays on special teams in New Orleans' last-second loss at Minnesota. During the regular season, Hardee served as a special teams coverage guru for the Saints, playing in the final 14 games and making nine tackles on the season. His biggest highlight, however, was a blocked punt and return for touchdown in Week 9 against Tampa Bay. WATCH
» Michael Hoomanawanui, TE, New Orleans Saints – Started at tight end and saw action on 21 offensive plays in the heartbreaking 29-24 loss at Minnesota. During the regular season, Hoomanawanui played in the first 14 games, making 10 starts at tight end, before missing the final 2 games due to injury. He spent most of his time as a blocking tight end, but still made 6 receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. The TD came in Week 6 against against the Jaguars. WATCH
» Ted Karras, OG/C, New England Patriots – Karras saw action on nine snaps (three at center and six on special teams) as the Patriots cruised to a 35-14 win over Tennessee in the Divisional round. During the regular season, Karras played in all 16 games for the Patriots, mostly blocking on field goals and PATs, but did make two starts at center.
» Carroll Phillips, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars – Played 25 total snaps (1 on defense and 24 on special teams) in Jacksonville's 45-42 divisional round victory at Pittsburgh. During the regular season, Phillips spent most of the season on Jacksonville's practice squad before getting signed to the active roster for the final 4 games. He saw plenty of action on special teams but did not record any stats.
» Dawuane Smoot, DE, Jacksonville Jaguars – Rookie played 19 snaps (14 on defense & 5 on special teams), recording two hits on Steelers' QB Ben Roethlisberger and forcing an intentional grounding penalty late in the game to help the Jaguars upset Pittsburgh 45-42 on the road. During the regular season, Smoot played in all 16 games on the defensive line and on special teams, making 20 tackles on the season.
