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Illinois OL Doug Kramer explains decision to return for sixth season
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Illinois center Doug Kramer is sticking around Champaign for a sixth season, which is good news for Illini fans and new head coach Bruce Bielma.
Kramer, an all-Big Ten selection in 2019 and two-time captain, missed the final two games of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 contact tracing. With the NCAA allowing athletes to retain a year of eligibility regardless of playing time during this season, Bielma will have the benefit of Kramer’s experience for his first year on the Illini sideline.
Kramer explained some of the reasons for his choice to Jeremey Warner of 247Sports.
Bielma’s hiring was an influence on Kramer’s decision, calling it the “final topping” on his returning, adding that his missing games at the end of the season was a factor as well.
#illini OL Doug Kramer said he was thinking about this for a while and Bret Bielema's hire was "the final topping" on returning especially after sitting out several games this season (contact tracing and injuries). pic.twitter.com/EtOCbQxjhA
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 23, 2020
Kramer will bring his 37 career starts at Illinois to Bielma’s offensive line, and believes that the Illini’s new coach can surround him with what is needed to win, right away.
#illini OL Doug Kramer: Bielema thinks we can win right away and have the people do that. Said he hangs his hat on Bielema's characteristics of "smart, tough, dependable" players.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 23, 2020
Finally, Kramer’s message to the incoming recruiting class is to stick with the plan, and the Illini.
#illini OL Doug Kramer on message to signees: Stick with it. Commit to a university, not a coach.
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) December 23, 2020
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.