Illini Corey Liuget Selected By San Diego in 2011 NFL Draft

Corey Liuget , defensive tackle from the University of Illinois has been selected by the San Diego Chargers as the 18th overall pick in the first round.

Corey played for three years as an Illini under Ron Zook, and was only a last minute decision to actually enter into this year's draft. Once he started working out for pro scouts and participating in the combine however, Liuget jumped up on the radar for many NFL teams, and was soon in the same conversation as Nick Fairley as the best DT's available in the draft.

He had a breakout season as a junior for a suddenly reinvigorated defense under new defensive coordinator Vic Koennig and was dominant in his games against Indiana, Purdue and Baylor.

Liuget was a terror his junior in the middle, and made pass rushing his greatest strength. Liuget explodes off of the line and gets O-linemen on skates. In San Diego, under the coaching Greg Manusky, Liuget should have every opportunity to grow into his role as an NFL Defensive Lineman, and for a defense that was already ranked No. 1 last season he will probably get lots of open shots at quarterbacks.

I am of course really, really happy for Corey as he ascends into the ranks of professional football players. I always thought Liuget would be a game breaking player, and it is unfortunate it took until his junior year to have real consistent success. I for one was looking forward to him coming back to anchor that defensive line for another year, but when you can make first round money, you go to the NFL. Good luck big guy, keep the Illinois fans proud.