Nov. 23, 2001

University of Illinois junior cornerback Eugene Wilson was named a second team All-American by Football News, as announced Friday. The news comes one day after the No. 10 Illinois squad clinched its first Big Ten title in 11 years with a 34-28 win over Northwestern

The Merrillville, Ind. native leads the Big Ten and the nation in passes broken up with 29 and recorded his sixth interception of the season the win over Northwestern. Wilson's six interceptions rank 13th in the nation and second in the conference. Wilson is in his second season as a starter for the Illini and has recorded 58 tackles, one sack and one forced fumble in addition to his stellar pass coverage numbers.

Wilson was named the Bronko Nagurski/FWAA National Defensive Player of the Week following his three interception, five PBU game against Penn State.