Sean Coghlan is making a case for more playing time in 2019.

During Illinois’ spring game on Saturday, Coghlan transitioned from role player to playmaker after recording an impressive pick-six early in the afternoon.

After the football popped out of the hands of tight end Bobby Walker because of a big hit from Nick Walker, Coghlan was in the right place at the right time. He was able to corral the ball and raced the other direction for a touchdown.

Coghlan was credited with a 33-yard pick-six.

Coghlan will be a redshirt sophomore next fall and appeared in four games for the Illini in 2018. Most of his playing time was spent on special teams. He was also an Academic All-B1G selection.

He redshirted his first season in Champaign in 2017.

Illinois’ defense has continued to make improvements under Lovie Smith and the competition for playing time has gotten better. Coghlan appears to be making a case for himself this spring.