Illinois sophomore offensive lineman earning more playing time

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Illinois sophomore Brandon Henderson is expected to play more snaps than usual in Saturday’s game against Purdue.

The Illini offensive lineman got the spotlight after catching a touchdown pass in Illinois’s 31-24 win against Nebraska. Now, he’s earning more opportunities in usual blocking role.

“The tight end stuff was fun really just to kind of get him out there used to playing,” Illinois head coach Bret Bielema said on Thursday. “During the bye week [we] worked him a lot at both guard spots. I think he’ll be in there [against Purdue] more than he’s ever been at the true offensive line position.”

Bielema says Illinois is keeping the ‘big’ package in the playbook where Henderson becomes a sixth offensive lineman on the field by lining at tight end.

“Brandon is a good athlete,” Bielema said. “He’s a very intelligent player. In high school he kind of came in as a guy that we projected to play tackle- there was literally one practice where he played all five positions. He probably plays better the closer he gets to the ball, I think that’s come out this year. Even the reps at tackle showed that more than anything.”

Henderson, a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, has appeared in all five Illinois games in the 2024 season. He played in nine games as a freshman in 2023.

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