June 13, 2008

The start to any great team is the offensive line, and the list of 10 greatest Fighting Illini offensive linemen to have played at Memorial Stadium is loaded with talented players. College Football Hall of Famers Alex Agase and Bernie Shively lead the way for group. Agase was a consensus All-American in 1946, the same year he was honored as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player. Shively opened many holes for the legendary Red Grange in the mid 20s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982. Illini teammates David Diehl and Tony Pashos are current NFL starters, with Diehl helping his New York Giants to a Super Bowl victory in 2008. Brad Hopkins, Jim Juriga, Larry McCarren, Archie Sutton and Revie Sorey all enjoyed long NFL careers.

Tim Simpson started every game of his four-year career and earned first-team All-America status as a senior in 1991.

At the 2008 Illini football home opener Sept. 6 against Eastern Illinois, the 10 greatest Fighting Illini from each position who played at Memorial Stadium will be recognized and introduced to the crowd.

That game has been selected as the Memorial Stadium Renaissance Celebration following a 21-month, $120 million renovation project. The offensive linemen group is the seventh of eight different groups that will be announced weekly, preceded by the linebackers, specialists, receivers, defensive backs, quarterbacks and defensive linemen, and followed by the running backs.

Illini fans were able to vote on-line at www.fightingillini.com from March 24 through April 17 to help select the honored athletes. Players on the ballot earned either first or second-team All-Big Ten honors, or played at least four years in the NFL.

Season tickets remain on sale for $225 for the sideline seating areas. For more information regarding tickets, contact the UI Athletics Ticket Office by phone at 217-333-3470 or 866-ILLINI-1, on the Internet at fightingillini.com or in person at the Assembly Hall North Box Office.