Coach Ron Zook said this morning that he plans to use more players on defense this week against Michigan to provide more rest and hopefully shore up some holes that have developed.

He specifically mentioned reserve linebackers Sam Carson, who backs up Brit Miller inside, and freshman Russell Ellington, who is Martez Wilson’s backup, as players who will see the field more extensively in Ann Arbor.

“I don’t foresee starting lineup changes, but guys are going to be held accountable,” he said.

Thus far, the starting linebackers have been Miller, Wilson and Rodney Pittman. However, the Illini are likely to use two linebackers and their nickel package most of the time against Michigan’s spread offense. He didn’t mention which linebacker would lose time.

But, he did indicate that Carson might play inside with Miller returning to an outside spot, which is where he played the previous two years.

“What you have to look at is do you change two positions, although (Miller) has played two years outside,” Zook said. “He should be able to handle that.”

Zook has been disappointed in a defense that has allowed 52 points against Missouri and 38 against Penn State. The Illini felt they had a potentially powerful defense entering the season but rank 83rd nationally in total defense and have had particular trouble stopping the run.

“We’ve got to focus on some things we have to get cleaned up,” Zook said. “Russell Ellington has made some progress. Other than one play against Louisiana Lafayette (he missed a tackle), he’s made a lot of progress so we’re going to get him and Sam Carson on the field more.”

Zook also said he was pleased with Donsay Hardeman’s performance in his first game after returning from an injury. His emergence will allow Travon Bellamy to play safety and cornerback.

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