There aren’t many guys like Nick Allegretti. The Illinois offensive lineman has been the epitome of a student-athlete since arriving in Champaign.

It’s no surprise that Allegretti holds himself to a high standard when it comes to being a leader. And recently, he hasn’t been too pleased with himself.

Over the last three weeks, the Illini have suffered three blowout losses, have seen a few players leave the program and one redshirt freshman, Lere Oladipo, was arrested on an alleged domestic battery charge.

Allegretti says he’s disappointed with himself.

“I’m disappointed with myself not being able to mentor the young guys like I should have,” Allegretti said. “Big Ten football is hard. As an athlete, it’s hard. As a student-athlete, it’s very hard. Then you add the social aspect into that and it’s hard.

“That’s on myself and the rest of the seniors to get to the rest of the freshmen we can still affect. The young guys we can still affect. Just try to help them get through how hard it is to be a student-athlete in the Big Ten.”

Illinois started the year with a 3-2 record before a three-week stumble. The Illini were close to knocking off USF earlier in the year. And in the B1G opener, the they had a third quarter lead on a ranked Penn State team. Signs of growth were there.

Things have derailed recently, though. Last week the struggle reached a new height, surrendering 712 yards in a 63-33 loss to Maryland.

Allegretti and the Illini still have three games remaining to try and get a few wins and the season on a positive note. Below is Allegretti’s full statement.