Mike Dudek, wide receiver, Illinois
A pass-catching machine as a true freshman for the Fighting Illini in 2014, Dudek has suffered ACL injuries to his right knee two years running. Thankfully, as early as last December, the receiver dubbed himself 100-percent healthy.
“If we were playing a game tomorrow, I would play,” Dudek said in early December, via Bob Asmussen of The News-Gazette. “I’m just getting ready for next year. We’re going to have a good year.”
With an entire offseason to get ready for the 2017 season, Dudek will be the focal point of the Illinois offense.
#illini Lovie: I haven't played a game with mike Dudek. Next time we'll play he'll be with us. Have a plan in mind for him.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 9, 2016
Expectations are high. He brought in 76 receptions for 1,038 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman. We’d expect those numbers to balloon significantly now that he’s going to be the main target of whoever wins the battle at quarterback.