IC Promotes Champion to Defensive Coordinator, Adds Three Assistant Coaches

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Illinois College Head Football Coach Ray DeFrisco announced the promotion of Jimmy Champion to Defensive Coordinator and the addition of three assistant coaches to the Blueboys staff. Gerik Garlington, Justin Hocker, and Cade Sortino will join IC as the program looks to build on its recent success.

Champion enters his third season with the Blueboys and will take over as Defensive Coordinator after spending the previous two seasons leading the IC linebackers.

"Jimmy has been an outstanding addition to our program and has played a major role in the success we've had over the last two seasons," said DeFrisco. "His knowledge of the game, ability to develop players, and experience coaching at championship programs make him the right person to lead our defense. He has earned this opportunity, and I am excited to see the continued growth of our defense under his leadership."

During Champion's time on the Hilltop, Illinois College has posted a 16-5 record and earned an appearance in the 2025 SmileyCookies.com Lakefront Bowl. Champion has helped develop a strong defensive identity while mentoring student-athletes both on and off the field.

Along with Champion's promotion, IC has added three new assistant coaches to the staff in Garlington, Hocker, and Sortino.

"We are excited about the direction of our program and the quality of coaches joining our staff," said DeFrisco. "Gerik, Justin, and Cade bring tremendous energy, knowledge, and a commitment to develop our student-athletes. Combined with Jimmy's promotion, these additions strengthen our staff and position the Blueboys for continued success."

Garlington returns to IC after serving as an assistant coach at Wheaton College. During his time with the Thunder, Garlington coached defensive backs in 2024 and wide receivers in 2025 while also serving as the program's Video Coordinator. A three-year starter in the secondary for the Blueboys, Garlington played both cornerback and safety and was a team captain during his senior season.

Hocker is at IC after serving as a graduate assistant at Benedictine University, where he worked with the Eagles' wide receivers and tight ends. His responsibilities at Benedictine included coaching position groups through individual drills and meetings, assisting with opponent breakdowns and scouting reports, supporting offensive game planning, and coordinating recruiting operations. 

Sortino comes to the Hilltop after serving as the Interim/Assistant Defensive Line Coach and Co-Video Coordinator at Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska. Before Midland, Sortino served as a student assistant coach at Dakota State University, working with linebackers, assisting with practice organization, helping draw plays, and completing opponent film breakdowns.

The Blueboys have won 25 games over the past three seasons and made an NCAA Division III playoff appearance in 2023 and the 2025 SmileyCookies.com Lakefront Bowl last season. 

IC will open the 2026 season on September 5th at Elmhurst. The home opener is set for September 12th against Lyon.