Illinois earned another All-Big Ten First Team honor, this time on offense. Senior offensive lineman J.C. Davis was voted to the first team by the coaches Thursday. The media voted Davis to the All-Big Ten Second Team.
The coaches voted Davis to the All-Big Ten Third Team last season. In his final season at New Mexico, the coaches named him to the All-Mountain West First Team.
The senior transferred to Illinois in 2024 and immediately made an impact. He started every game (13) at left tackle. Davis earned AP All-Bowl Team honors for his performance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl last year.
He picked up right where he left off this season. Davis has started every game this season and has been one of the better tackles in the country. Pro Football Focus has Davis rated as a top-16 tackle in the upcoming NFL draft.
Beatty recognized on offense, special teams
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Senior receiver Hank Beatty was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team Thursday by coaches and media. Last season, he earned third-team honors as a returner.
Illinois inserted Beatty in nearly every part of the offense this season. He had 826 receiving yards, the fourth most in the Big Ten. The Illini used him in the rushing game as well, carrying the ball three times for 41 yards and a touchdown.
The senior even got involved in the passing game. He was 2-for-2 for 31 yards and a touchdown.
His skill on special teams earned him an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention. Beatty’s 213 punt return yards are the fourth most in the conference. The senior started the season off with a bang when he broke Red Grange’s 102-year-old record.
Beatty’s 133 punt return yards against Western Illinois broke the previous record, held by Grange. He also scored the first punt return touchdown for Illinois since 2013.
While Beatty might not hear his name called during the NFL draft, he will likely land somewhere in the NFL. Pro Football Focus has him listed as its No. 321 prospect. His speed and vision should draw teams in come April.
@ben_some16
