Oct. 8, 2009
by Lauren Benson, Illinois Sports Information
Fifth-year seniors Eric Block, Doug Pilcher, and Sirod Williams have experienced the highs and lows of college football unlike any of the other players on the Illinois team.
The team suffered through a 2-9 campaign during their first season in 2005. In 2006, the Orange and Blue showed signs of improvement in terms of play, but not in terms of the record. But in 2007, the Illini soared to the pinnacle of college football and played in the Rose Bowl. Last season was a disappointment, but these three players are driven to make this season a success and end their careers on a high note.
During their college careers, these veteran Illini have not only had to experience up-and-down seasons, but also have had to endure injuries and time spent on the bench. Pilcher, a defensive lineman, opted to redshirt his freshman season in 2005.
"It was hard to sit out, but at the same time it was good for me to learn the speed of the game and the defense," Pilcher said. "When I was a freshman, I really didn't know what to expect. It was good to sit out a year and gain some size and strength. I just learned a lot about the game and how it is played."
Block, an offensive lineman, has a different story. He firmly believed last year would be his final season, even walking the field on Senior Day and participating in all of the common senior rituals. Obviously, Block was disappointed that his career would end on such a disappointing point, given the Illini's 5-7 record.
But at the beginning of this year, Block received some surprising news. During his sophomore season, Block only played in one game and sat out the rest of the year with an injury. Because of his inactivity that season, Block appealed to the NCAA and was granted an extra year. He intends to make the most of his final campaign.
"I was pretty sure I was done last year," Block said. "I get a second chance at a senior year, and I'm going to do everything I can to make it end the way I want it to. It's a special opportunity for me that not many people get, and I'm going to take full advantage of it."
Defensive tackle Williams also thought the 2008 season would be his last until he suffered a season-ending knee injury during a preseason practice. He was stuck on the sidelines for the season, unable to help his team, especially on defense where he was supposed to be an anchor. But during that time, Williams said he grew as a player and that experience undoubtedly will help him this season.
"It was kind of hard because it was my senior year and I thought I would be done!" Williams jokingly said. "But I look at it as a positive because I had a year to watch and observe, which made me better mentally."
These three players have endured some hardships during their time as Illini football players. However, they have also gone through the highest of highs. When asked about their favorite memory, all three players had a tough time deciding on just one.
"My best memory would be two years ago at the Ohio State game," Block recalls. "Martin O'Donnell, our starting left guard, went down at the beginning of that eight-minute drive (at the end of the game). I had to go in. My muscles were cold, and I was feeling pretty stiff, but I had to loosen up in a hurry. We had a great drive and we made a couple of real nice blocks. We wound up running down over half of a quarter and winning the game against the No. 1 team in the country. That's pretty special."
Williams agrees with Block that the Ohio State game was his best memory. But he had a different viewpoint on why it was so special.
"After we won, we got off the plane and there were all these people there waiting for us. I felt like a rock star," Williams said.
Pilcher felt that the Rose Bowl season was definitely a highlight and one of his most fond memories. However, he regards a memorable win in 2006 when the Orange and Blue defeated Michigan State, 23-20, in East Lansing as one of his top picks.
"For me, it was my first Big Ten experience playing and our first Big Ten win since I was here," Pilcher said.
Because of all their experiences and time as college football players, the three fifth-year seniors are taking on leadership roles this year. All three players have accepted the responsibility and feel that it is one of their most important roles. Also, because they are older and have been through a lot during their careers, they have an abundant amount of advice for the younger players.
"I would tell them to not be afraid to fail," Williams said. "Michael Jordan said he failed a lot of times, and that is why he was great. Don't be afraid to make mistakes because that is one way you can get better."
"I would tell them that it's important to learn," Block said. "When you are young and a freshman, you have to take your lumps and just stand back and watch everything. You have to learn to catch up to the game because the speed is different and the level of intensity is different. You have to be able to adjust."
Block, Pilcher, and Williams have definitely taken their own advice, which is probably why they have enjoyed successful college careers. After this season, there are no more chances at another year of college football for the trio.
When asked what would be the perfect ending to their college careers, there was only one thing that would make all three players happy.
"The perfect ending? Big Ten champs," Block said, without hesitation. "If we live up to our potential, then that would be the best way to end this. The sky is the limit for this team."
