Former Illini Jack Cornell joins Quincy University football coaching staff

With his NFL playing career up in the air former Illinois lineman and Quincy native Jack Cornell has decided to join the coaching ranks and the Quincy University football program.

Hawks head coach Tom Pajic announced Wednesday morning Cornell has been hired as an assistant offensive line coach. He will also assist in recruiting and game planning.

Cornell played in 29 games and made 19 starts at offensive guard during his five-year career with the Illini. He was also the 2011 Red Grange Award recipient for dedication to the university. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens prior to the 2012 season and spent much of the year on the practice squad. He earned a Super Bowl ring for his role after the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

Cornell signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders for the 2013 season, spending time on the active roster and the practice squad. Last fall, he returned to his alma mater Quincy Notre Dame as a volunteer assistant coach, where he was a 2006 Max-Enfinger All-American and two-time IHSA and Chicago Tribune All-State selection at offensive tackle as a junior and senior.

Quincy is an NCAA Division II school and competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

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