Antwaan Randle El: 2002
Illinois native Antwaan Randle El was too small to play Division I football. He was also too small to play in the NFL. It's a good thing that he didn't listen to anyone who told him those things. Randle El was one of the most exciting players -- if not the best player -- in school history.
He was an All-American and Big Ten Offensive player of the year (2001) before being drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. While in Pittsburgh, he converted to wide receiver. Randle El was an All-Pro (2005) and a Super Bowl Champion while with the Steelers.
Tracy Porter: 2008
Tracey Porter will always be remembered for his pick six against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts when he was a member of the New Orleans Saints. There are few Super Bowls that meant more to a city than that one.
Porter was one of the more respected defensive backs of his era, playing for five teams in nine seasons. Before the Saints selected him in the second round, Porter was an All-Big Ten corner back. He finished his career in Bloomington second all-time in interceptions.