Kevin Hardy
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The 1990s: John Mackovic (1988-1991) led the Illini to four bowl games in four years, and his teams defeated Ohio State four consecutive times. Howard Griffith eclipsed Red Grange’s scoring record with eight touchdowns against Southern Illinois on September 22, 1990. Moe Gardner (nose tackle) earned consensus All-American honors in 1989 and 1990. He was followed by two outstanding linebackers who were named consensus All-Americans: Dana Howard (1994) and Kevin Hardy (1995). Robert Holcomb was a premier running back during this period, finishing with 4737 all purpose yards (1994-1997) to lead all Illini in this category. The Fighting Illini mounted two goal line stands to beat Ohio State in 1992. Dana Howard and Jeff Arneson hit Eddie George on the Illini one yard line. Arneson scooped up the ball and ran 96 yards for a touchdown. Later, Howard and Tyrone Washington forced a George fumble on the Illini one, and the Illini drove 86yards to kick a field goal to win 18-16. One of the most exciting finishes in Illini football history took place in Ann Arbor on October 23, 1993. Michigan led the game 21-10 entering the fourth quarter. The Illini subsequently scored to make it 21-17. Kevin Hardy forced a fumble, and Simeon Rice recovered with 1:13 remaining on the clock. The Illini mounted their final scoring drive to win 24-21. In the 1996 NFL draft, Kevin Hardy was drafted #2 and Simeon Rice #3. |
