Here’s a good read from ESPN’s Brian Bennett on Illinois offensive lineman Teddy Karras, who represents the fourth generation of his family to play college football in the Big Ten.
While he may not have the name recognition of his great uncle, Alex, who was a Heisman Trophy runner-up at Iowa and went on to play, among other characters, Mongo in “Blazing Saddles,” he is an important part of Illinois’ offensive line heading into 2014. A redshirt junior, Karras is one of the few players on Illinois’ offense with significant game experience, and coach Tim Beckman expects to look to him as a leader this spring and fall.
“He loves the game,” Beckman said. “He’s been involved in the game since he was born with the family background and the Karras name itself. It shows.”