Illinois LB Coach Archie McDaniel Discusses Linebacker Room, Rosiek’s Return, and New Additions
Illinois linebackers coach Archie McDaniel spoke with the media about his position group.
The Illini linebacker unit is looking as strong as ever under head coach Bret Bielema’s leadership. Team captain and honorable mention All-Big Ten player Dylan Rosiek, who missed the last three games last season due to an ankle injury, has returned to full participation in spring practices. Rosiek’s return is a boost, as he is a two-year starter. During his absence, Malachi Hood and James Kreutz stepped up and gained valuable experience. They’re now looking to carry that momentum forward through spring practices, summer workouts, and into the upcoming training camp. Kenenna Odeluga, who was recovering from a lower-leg injury last season, is also back and participating fully. Additionally, the Illini have added Composite four-star linebacker Grant Beerman and Ismael Kante, the No. 1 JUCO linebacker in the nation, to their 2025 class. Both players have joined the team for winter conditioning and spring practices.
On Dylan Rosiek’s Return:
McDaniel: “It’s great to see him back out there. When he got injured last year, it was a big blow, especially for our group, because of his leadership and work ethic. To see him back out there looking faster and taking charge is really positive. He’s going to have a great season.”
On Rosiek’s Impact on the Team:
McDaniel: “He’s a multiple all-conference selection, and his football IQ and presence make him a natural leader. His calm but commanding presence lifts everyone around him. It sets the tone for how we approach the game.”
On Malachi Hood and James Kreutz’s Development:
McDaniel: “Malachi and James gained a lot of experience last season, and that’s been huge for their growth. They’ve become more confident, and you can see how they’ve progressed. Malachi wasn’t even expected to play much early last season, but now his confidence is growing. All the guys have stepped up, knowing they had to fill a void.”
On Managing the Position Group:
McDaniel: “I make it clear that the best players will be on the field. The guys support each other, and they know that everyone has a role. Whether it’s a big role or a smaller one, it’s up to each player to own it and do the best they can.”
On Malachi Hood’s Potential:
McDaniel: “Malachi has tremendous potential. He’s fast, strong, and smart, but what he really needs is more playing time. As he continues to gain confidence and experience, he’s going to keep improving.”
On Kenenna Odeluga’s Progress:
McDaniel: “Kenenna’s been flying around and hitting hard. He’s getting back to the level we all expected from him. He’s been battling through some things, but he’s clearly improving every week.”
On Ismael Kante’s Contributions:
McDaniel: “Kante is big, fast, and plays well in space. He’s raw, but he’s been a pleasure to work with. His desire to improve is clear, and he’s always watching film and asking questions. He has a high football IQ, and that’s been a pleasant surprise.”
On Coaching a Raw Player Like Kante:
McDaniel: “Kante was doing what he was taught in his previous system, but he’s learning our system quickly. His high football IQ has helped him adapt, and his desire to be great will drive his continued improvement.”
On Recruiting Success:
McDaniel: “Our recruiting is based on consistency and being genuine. We show recruits that they’ll have a chance to grow and develop here. We emphasize the family atmosphere, and when they visit, they see that what we say matches what we do.”
On Grant Beerman’s Progress:
McDaniel: “Beerman is a 6-3, 230-pound guy who moves well, which is rare. He’s getting more comfortable every day. He was nervous at first, but now he realizes he’s strong and fast enough to compete at this level. He’s getting better with every practice.”
On Deciding Whether Freshmen Will Play or Redshirt:
McDaniel: “You don’t know for sure until you know. Beerman has the advantage of having spring ball, summer workouts, and fall camp to develop. By the end of that process, we’ll know if he’s ready to play or if redshirting is a better option.”
On the Evolution of the Linebacker Room:
McDaniel: “The goal is to make my decisions as difficult as possible. Players know they need to bring their best every day, and that’s what drives the competition. I want the guys to make it hard for me to pick the starters, and right now, I’m excited about the competition in the room.”
