Friday, September 13, 1968
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
7
Illini may not have size, but they're 'hungry'
When the KU football team opens its season against Illinois University Sept 21, in Champaign, Ill. they will be facing a team with that proverbial "tean and hungry" look—especially after a disappointing 4-6 season in 1967.
Jim Valek, Illinois football coach has indicated his concern over the leanness of his team and probably wishes that the "hungry look" might be transformed into some sorely needed weight. This year's Illinois team shows an overall lack of size, particularly in the interior offensive line. It averages 213 pounds.
Senior co-captain Tony Pleviak, at 6-3 and 226 pounds was in on 83 tackles and broke up six pass attempts during the 1967 campaign.
At the other tackle is Mickey Hogan, a 6-5, 204 pound junior. In spite of his weight, which is considerably lighter than many defensive tackles, Hogan was involved in 53 tackles in 1967.
Both Pleviak and Hogan are proven pass rushers. Pleviak led the Big Ten in tackles for losses, with 14 stops for minus 60 yards. Hogan had nine tackles for 48 yards in losses, recovered three fumbles and broke up two passes. In two seasons, Pleviak has thrown 27 ball carriers for 140 yards in losses.
The picture is brighter for the defensive line. KU will have to contain what many Big Ten observers consider to be the finest set of defensive tackles in the conference.
Another Illinois standout is fullback Rich Johnson, a 6-1, 207 pound senior who has gained 1,085 yards in two seasons with the Illini and could move into second place behind Jim Grabowski in the list of all-time Illinois ground gainers.
Last season Johnson was the Big Ten's number two rusher
Northwestern when he piled up 159 vards.
with 604 yards in 153 carries-a 3.9 yard average. He also led his team in scoring with six touchdowns. He went over 100 yards in four starts, his best effort on the ground coming against
Valek must depend heavily on senior Quarterback Bob Naponic if his team is to provide a passing punch to go along with the solid ground game. Naponic, who
stands 6 feet and weighs 186 pounds, was injured in the opening game at Florida last year and saw only limited action the rest of the season.
As a sophomore, Naponic completed 70 of 162 passes for
998 yards and four touchdowns. As a junior seeing only limited action, he completed 13 of 29 aerials for 126 yards and one touchdown.
Twenty-two lettermen return to a comparatively young squad.
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