Lovie Smith has been dealing with an incredible amount of attrition since the 2017 regular season ended, and things don't seem to be getting better for the Fighting Illini.
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It's only getting worse with the latest reports out of Champaign, which are that wide receiver Dominic Thieman has decided to leave the program.
This is according to the wide receiver himself, who posted his departure letter on Twitter:
Farewell ✌🏾🔷🔶 pic.twitter.com/pAC16DLDBl
— DT (@Dominic_Thieman) December 15, 2017
Here is an excerpt from the letter:
"My time here at the University of Illinois has come to an end and I will be looking to transfer elsewhere to maximize my potential," he wrote. "I have three years to play two."
The notable thing from Thieman's announcement is that he thanked a handful of coaches as well as the Illini strength staff for pushing him to new heights, but he didn't make any mention of Smith, who has been with the Illini since the 2016 season.
He may not be around for much longer if players continue leaving Illinois. Now counting Thieman, a grand total of nine players have left the team since the end of the season — which was just a few weeks ago. Thieman caught 11 passes this past season for Illinois for 144 yards.
