College Football

Illinois Football: Illini Christmas Names Throughout the Years

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 5:08 p.m. ET

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Fansided, Rees Woodcock/FanSided via Writing Illini

The Illinois football team continues to bring presents for Illini fans in the form of recruits for 2017.

There has been a multitude of players that have stepped foot in Memorial Stadium but only a few really brought the Christmas spirit.

Here are some fun Christmas themed names.

“Christmas Carroll” Phillips

When watching Carroll Phillips throughout his career, it seemed like Christmas every day.  It was a great joy to see him dominate year in and year out.

Stanley “EverGreen”

Stanly Green just finished up his first season with the Illini.  He received seven starts in 2016 and played in ten total games.   He is going to be around for a while and this will only help the Illini in the future.

More from Writing Illini

Desmond “Candy Cain”

One of the up-and-coming wide receivers for the Illini was Desmond Cain.  He had a great freshman campaign but struggled in year two.  He is now transferring out of the program.

Caleb “Christmas Day”

Caleb Day started out as a defensive back but formed into a special team’s specialist.  He was leading the special teams in tackles this past season before getting hurt for the year.

BJ “Jingle Bello”

Another special team’s main staple was BJ Bello.  He played for the Illini for three seasons before transferring out of the program to play for Illinois State.

Leslie “North Poole”

Leslie Poole received playing time his senior season against two opponents.  He made his debut in the blowout of Kent State in 2015.

Steve “Deck the Hull’s”

Steve Hull came into the Illinois football program as a wide receiver but after his redshirt season, he moved to safety.

Hull was a good safety for the Illini, but he then moved back to wide receiver for his senior campaign and had 993 yards and 7 touchdowns.

Bud “Five Golden Rings”

Bud Golden didn’t see the field much as a member of the Illini.  He was redshirted his freshman season and then was on special teams the following year.  He would transfer to Tennessee Tech after that season.

Illinois has been in the Christmas spirit lately and I wish nothing but the best for your friends and family during the holidays.

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