RANTOUL, Ill. – Illinois starting defensive tackle Sirod (ser-AHD’) Williams will miss the season with a knee injury.

Williams faces surgery after hurting the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Saturday at Illinois’ preseason camp in Rantoul.

Coach Ron Zook says Williams will sit out the year and plans to return next fall as a red-shirt senior.

The 6-foot, 292-pound player appeared in 12 of the Illini’s 13 games last fall and had six tackles. He’s from Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Sophomore Josh Brent is expected to start at Williams’ defensive tackle spot.

Illinois opens its season against Missouri on August 30th in St. Louis.