Illinois is starting to become known for its use of huge offensive lineman, much like B1G West foe Minnesota. Bart Miller, Illinois’ OL coach, highlighted someone that has been impressing this season per Jeremy Werner of 247Sports.

Isaiah Adams has been starting at left guard for the Fighting Illini this season. He comes to Champaign from Garden City Community College, and is listed as a junior on the roster.

What Miller likes about Adams is how fundamentally sound he is, and the versatility he brings to the offensive line.

Number one, he’s very technically advanced. He’s very fundamentally sound. It does allow you to maybe use him in different versatile situations. He came in as a left tackle, spent all spring at left tackle. He was athletic enough, powerful enough that we felt we could move him inside because we wanted to get our best five guys on the field, and he’s certainly one of them. The versatility that he brings is something we love. He is mature. He approaches the preparation very strong.

Illinois will need players like Adams to keep performing at a high level if Bret Bielema’s group wants to compete for a B1G West title this season.

Illinois takes on U.T. Chattanooga next on Sept. 22 at 8:30 p.m. ET on BTN.