Ray Eliot “Mr. Illini”: Ray Eliot guided the Fighting Illini from 1942 through 1959. His 1946 team defeated UCLA in the 1947 Rose Bowl in a game initiating a contract between winners of the Big Ten and Pac Ten. Alex Agase, a guard, was named a consensus All-American in both 1942 and 1946. Eliot’s Fighting Illini returned to play in the Rose Bowl in 1952, culminating in another victory. Ray coached many outstanding players who later moved on to the NFL. Among them was Al Brosky, who set an NCAA record with interceptions in 15 consecutive games (1950-1952). Johnny Karras (halfback) and J.C. Caroline (halfback) were chosen consensus All-Americans in 1951 and 1953, respectively. Bill Burrell (guard) was cited for that honor in 1959.
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 Dick Butkus |
The 1960s: Pete Elliott succeeded Ray Eliot and coached for seven seasons (1960-1966). The 1963 team won the 1964 Rose Bowl 17-7 against Washington. Dick Butkus and Jim Grabowski were outstanding players at linebacker and fullback, respectively, and both enjoyed successful careers in professional football. Butkus is often described as one of the best linebackers of all time, following many successful seasons with the Chicago Bears. Butkus was named a consensus All-American in 1963 and 1964, while Jim Grabowski achieved the honor in 1965. |  Al Brosky |
