Before Josh Brent gets back on the field, he will have to deal with some off the field issues
Photo source: Illinois Loyalty
For all you Illini fans, we all know how much DT Josh Brent has meant for the team and the defensive line. In 2009 he performed solidly amassing 29 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. If you are wondering why you haven’t seen him on Peabody Drive heading towards the ARC this semester, it’s because he is no longer a student.
Brent is currently dealing with serious academic issues. So much so, he is taking a brief hiatus from Zook and company and transferred to Parkland College to focus on his grades. He intends to enroll back to Illinois as soon as he is academically eligible.
Unfortunately for the team and fans, this means Brent will miss spring practice leaving a huge void in the d-line. However, Zook is confident that Brent will return and play in 2010.
In the meantime, the Illini are in bad need of a counterpart to help Clay Nurse lead the defensive line. Zook is already feeling the scrutiny for his recent failures as a head coach. With the pressure mounting, it will be easy for him to take Brent back and to overlook his somewhat troubled past. If you don’t recall, Brent was arrested last year for a DUI and driving on a suspended license. The jailbird missed last year’s spring game and was a guest of the state for one month.
It is clear Brent is pushing the limits and testing Zook’s patience. But as mentioned earlier, college football is about winning. When the Illini take the field against Missouri this September, you better believe Brent will be suited up.
