PhilSteele.com
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football program was represented with two All-Americans and eight All-Big Ten selections on Phil Steele's preseason honors list. The Fighting Illini's defensive tackle combo of Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. were both named Preseason All-Americans, with Newton appearing on the second team and Randolph earning a spot on the fourth team. Illinois is one of only nine schools with multiple All-American defensive players, joining Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State, and Utah.
Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams is also featured on Phil Steele's Big Ten cover.
The full list of Illinois' honorees is below:
Phil Steele Preseason All-America
Second Team Defense
DL Jer'Zhan Newton
Fourth Team Defense
DL Keith Randolph Jr.
Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten
First Team Offense
WR Isaiah Williams
First-Team Defense
DL Jer'Zhan Newton
DL Keith Randolph Jr.
Second Team Offense
OL Isaiah Adams
OL Julian Pearl
Third Team Special Teams
K Caleb Griffin
PR Isaiah Williams
Fourth Team Defense
LB Gabe Jacas