CHAMPAIGN — New Illinois trainer Bret Bielema stated Monday he hopes to have a team of workers in position via early January and is already targeting homegrown recruiting. “I called (the Illinois Department of Transportation) and told them to put up roadblocks so kids won’t be allowed to leave the state,” he joked at his introductory information convention. “Seriously, I can’t tell you how many Illinois high school football coaches I have talked to already. We are making Illinois kids a priority here.” Bielema, a local of tiny Prophetstown in northwestern Illinois, replaces Lovie Smith, who went 17-39 general in his five-year tenure and posted a 10-33 Big Ten report. Bielema’s preliminary contract is for 6 years starting with
Tag: Homegrown’
Don’t Miss NESN’s Three-Part ‘Boston Homegrown’ Series During All-Star Week
Even though the MLB All-Star break kicks off Monday, July 16, make sure you stay tuned into NESN throughout the week. Starting Monday, July 16, NESN Sports Today will air a three-part series during MLB All-Star week titled “Boston Homegrown”. Moderator Adam Pellerin hold a round table discussion with four athletes who not only grew up in the Boston area, but also played for the local teams. Jermaine Wiggins, a native of East Boston, Mass., played tight end for the New England Patrtiots for three years. Wiggins helped the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory in 2001. Dana Barros played basketball at Boston College before making it pro. T... NESN.com