Illinois names Charlie Bullen to coach the Outside Linebackers
CHAMPAIGN — Bret Bielema took another step toward completing his coaching staff for next season by announcing Saturday’s appointment of Charlie Bullen as outside linebackers coach and pass rush coordinator.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Charlie Bullen and his family to Illinois,” Bielema said in a press release. “Charlie has a wealth of NFL coaching experience, including coaching some of the NFL’s elite pass rushers, as well as a background in the Big Ten. I look forward to watching Charlie continue to develop our full-backs and develop the pass rush as he builds our defense in 2023.”
Bullen has spent the last four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, three as coach of the outside linebackers and one as assistant linebacker coach. Before that, he spent 2012-2018 as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins.
“I’m thrilled to be joining #famILLy in my home state of Illinois,” Bullen said in a press release. “I am grateful to Coach Bielema and Coach Henry for the opportunity to help continue the advancement of this great program.”
In the past three seasons, the Cardinals have had three outside linebackers (Markus Golden, Hassan Reddick, and Chandler Jones) with double-digit sacks in one season.
Bullen will take on a group of promising young pass rushers in Illinois in newcomers All-American Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman. Both played for Kevin Kane last season before Kane moved to Purdue to become defensive coordinator under Ryan Walters.
Illinois Footballs Early Signing Class of 2023
Alex Bray
Three-star defenseman Alex Bray of Chesterfield, Mo.
“He came to our camp and[Defensive Line Coach Terrance Jamison]came in with him off the field after work and was very excited,” Bielema said.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Brandon Henderson
Three-star offensive lineman Brandon Henderson from East Saint Louis. Henderson transferred from Iowa State to Illinois.
“Plays with a really good attitude,” said Bielema. “Couldn’t be more excited (about him).”
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Cal Swanson
Three-star quarterback Cal Swanson from Ardmore, Oklahoma. Swanson is the first signing at quarterback under offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
“Any time you can make something out of nothing and make plays when things are falling down for your team, it’s special and that’s what he’s got everywhere,” Bielema said.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Collin Dixon
Three-star recipient Collin Dixon. Dixon originally signed Wisconsin before moving to Illinois. He had 37 points in his last two seasons at Tallmadge High School in Ohio.
“A really dynamic player,” said Bielema.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
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Kicker from Naperville David Olano. Bielema said he liked his leg talent and noted several of his kickoffs going through the end zone and through the posts.
“A very explosive and dynamic kicker,” said Bielema.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
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Punter Declan Duley from El Paso, Illinois. Bielema noted that Duley was a left-footed player and said he learned from his time with the New England Patriots that left-footed players release the ball differently for return men.
“(He’s) a really dangerous weapon for us to have in our bag of tricks to move forward,” Bielema said.
Athletics from Illinois
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Three-star offensive lineman Dezmond Schuster from Gonzales, Louisiana. Was a first-team all-conference player in the same conference that Isaiah Adams played in last season.
“He’s very athletic and has tremendous strength,” said Bielema.
Athletics from Illinois
Jaheim Clarke
Three-star defenseman Jaheim Clark from Lehigh Acres, Florida. Bielema said defense coordinator Aaron Henry quickly “fell in love with this young man” during the recruiting process.
“His play kind of reminds you of someone we’re going to lose earlier this year who’s going to be in the draft,” Bielema said, comparing him to former Illini cornerer Devon Witherspoon.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Jeremiah Warren
Three-star defenseman Jeremiah Warren of Belleville, Michigan. Bielema compared his power and performance to the current Illini Johnny Newton.
“This is a 300-pound man who makes it look easy to chase down a quarterback,” Bielema said.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Jojo Hayden
Jojo Hayden is a four-star linebacker from East Saint Louis. Bielema noted his versatility as an inside linebacker or player on the fringe.
“I really think he brings a lot to the table,” said Bielema.
Craig Pessman
Caden Feagin
Four-star running back Kaden Feagin by Arthur. Feagin was the first four-star recruit of the Bielema era in Illinois.
“One of the first times he came to our camp, I actually told him he reminded me a lot of me (former Steelers running back Franco Harris) watching me run,” Bielema said.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Caleb Patterson
Three-star junior college corner Kaleb Patterson of Jackson, Mississippi. He was an all-conference player for Pearl River Community College.
“Couldn’t be more impressed with his covering ability,” said Bielema.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Kenari Wilcher
Three-star wide receiver Kenari Wilcher of Clewiston, Fla., who had 15 touchdowns as a senior and plans to go to engineering school.
“Really safe and extremely explosive,” Bielema said.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Mason Muragin
Three-star edge rusher Mason Muragin from Macomb, Michigan. Muragin had 27 sacks and 61½ tackles for losses in his last two high school seasons, in which he won two state titles.
“Everything he does is 100 miles an hour,” Bielema said.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Nate Guin
Three-star tight end Nate Guinn from Vero Beach, Florida.
“Very raw and athletic,” Bielema said. “He’s doing extremely well. … catches the ball extremely well.”
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Pat Farrell
Three-star edge rusher Pat Farrell from St. Rita High School in the Chicago area.
“Plays very similarly to our boys,” said Bielema. “He’s playing with really good extension, really good motor and really good momentum.”
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Saboor Karriem
Four-star defenseman Saboor Karriem from West Orange, New Jersey.
“We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” said Bielema. “… This kid just loves to play the game. Very explosive, dynamic and very long.”
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
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Three-star offensive lineman TJ McMillen from Naperville, Illinois. Bielema said he plans to put him in the spotlight.
Illinois likes his athleticism and made the decision to offer him a scholarship after seeing his film and seeing offensive line coach Bart Miller run bases as a high school baseball player.
Athletics from Illinois
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Three-star linebacker Trey Smith from Ocoee, Florida. Smith chose Illinois over Arkansas, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue and Tennessee, among others.
As a senior, he had 19½ sacks and chose Illinois for his vet school.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Zach Amland
Zach Aamland is a three-star offensive lineman from the Hun School of South Brunswick, New Jersey. Bret Bielema said he likes its flexibility and strength for someone with his 6-foot-6 290-pound frame.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
Zach Tobe
Three-star defenseman Zach Tobe from Ocoee, Florida. Originally engaged in North Carolina. Bielema praised his versatility in cornering and safety, as well as his ball skills.
“I really like how he fits into our system,” said Bielema.
Craig Pessman, Illinois track and field
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