But the line isnt short of question marks. Anderson will need to develop some consistency in breaking tackles on initial contact, but he brings a high amount of potential to the running back room. Gambling problem? Illinois will likely have transfers out and will surely be active in bringing transfers into the mix. Thats likely a side effect of Cooper DeJean being forced into the starting CB spot vacated by Roberts injury, but the interesting part is the staff had no problem trotting Bruce out there when he was quite literally the only scholarship WR available the first two weeks. Comment: The Illini lost All-Big Ten starters Alex Palczewski and Alex Pihlstrom but return four players with starting experience. He ended last season as a guard but looked healthy again this spring and should be seen as the right guard entering training camp, though his positional flexibility would allow the coaching staff the option of moving players around. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onIllinois Fighting Illini and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Gambling problem? (Below). If the spring game is any indication, McCray has developed into a willing blocker both behind the line of scrimmage and on the perimeter. Illinois has an embarrassment of riches at the running back position. Illinois may be unpredictable, but its made major progress. IH0pOwogIChmdW5jdGlvbigpIHsKICAgIHZhciBzID0gZG9jdW1lbnQuY3Jl * 21+ (19+ CA-ONT) (18+ NH/WY). 1 cornerback. The second development is Pihlstrom at center. With new legislation allowing college athletes to earn $ from their NIL, college sports has . Hell enter 2022 as a redshirt-sophomore, so there is still time to contribute, but he is competing against a very talented group of running backs in an effort to see playing time. Ohio State wins its second game in the last 16. Comment: This is the strength of the Illinois defense and maybe the team. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD Hes battled injuries during his time at Illinois and also has had the misfortune of Chase Brown and Josh McCray developing into premier backs, limiting his opportunities. Johnson got snaps as a true freshman last season and should be in the rotation this year. The same could be said about Anderson, though he might have positional flexibility as an H-back and goal-line option. Football; Baseball; Soccer; Hockey; Forums; . Its the same depth chart we saw last Monday. Laughery got rave reviews before missing the spring game with an injury. Depth: Reggie Love, Chase Hayden, Jordan Anderson. The way our guys know that we care, the way we put our arms around them. bD0nK2w6Jyc7ai5hc3luYz10cnVlO2ouc3JjPQogICAgICAgICdodHRwczov 2022-Nebraska-football-depth-chart-Illinois-game-week. The Illini have two talented, intriguing redshirt freshmen. In the heat of March, were taking a look at spring football for the Fighting Illini. KSgpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KCjxub3NjcmlwdD4KICA8aW1nIHNyYz0iaHR0cHM6 Hes a speedy, strong back who could provide a changeup in the offense. Jordyn Slaughter was the sixth man on the o-line last season but has his best chance to be a consistent starter this season. ewogICAgYzE6ICIyIiwKICAgIGMyOiAiNzI0MTQ2OSIsCiAgICBjNTogIjIw It takes the entire week to go through that. Comment: Replacing a consensus All-American, the programs first in more than a decade, wont be easy. He will be a sixth-year senior. The second development is Pihlstrom at center. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. No position on the Illinois offense has undergone a bigger makeover this season than quarterback. Eian Pugh and Ashton Hollins both give Illinois much-needed length. The official 2022 Football Roster for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini L3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNvbS9ndG0uanM/aWQ9JytpK2RsKycm The Illini offense should be able to put up some serious yards and points this season. OLB Seth Coleman does not squeeze enough taking on the block by the pulling tight end. We've got guys that believe in what we are, what we do, how we work, what we are, and I think we've just got to continue to stay on that path.. Full Northern Iowa Panthers roster for the 2022 season including position, height, weight, birthdate, years of experience, and college. Colorado State transfer Tanner Arkin gives Illinois an experienced but still developing option to replace outgoing seniors Luke Ford and Michael Marchese in the rotation. Calling McCray a rotation piece here is probably a bit of a disservice. Jayden Epps 14.7 14.6; . Both will get a great chance to make a case for a spot in the two-deep this spring. CHAMPAIGN With class at the University of Illinois starting earlier this month, Illinois footballs spring roster is set. The biggest question is nose guard. cmlwdCc+PC9zY3JpcHQ+CjxkaXYgY2xhc3M9J3ZpZGVvLWNvbnRhaW5lcicg Comment: Hugh Robertson ranked last in the Big Ten in punting average (40.0), and some of his poor punts objectively really hurt Illinois in some close losses. Connor Colby got worked for most of the 54 snaps he played at RT (57.9) but remains the starter there. Well see if George Barnett continues to stick to his pitch count strategy or make a move to something that works moderately well. Brown and McCray are going to be the one-two punch for the Illini, though Brown should get more carries. Not only did Anderson demonstrate vision, balance, and cutback ability, he also flashed an unusually strong aptitude when catching the ball. Josh Kreutz will have the inside track on the center role. On defense, this is the position that undergoes the biggest makeover. Hall and Hansen split punt and field goal/extra-point duties last season, and that seems likely to continue. Well bet on free safety because Louisville transfer Nicario Harper, a former FCS All-American, seems to best fit Browns role as an in-the-box enforcer. Depth chart is largely based on the following article written by Jeremy Wernerof 247sports.com: "Illinois Fighting Illini football: Projected 2023 spring depth chart" (1/29/23). YXRlRWxlbWVudCgic2NyaXB0IiksIGVsID0gZG9jdW1lbnQuZ2V0RWxlbWVu Strain was the No. Hes a hand-picked Bielema recruit from the 2021 recruiting class. Standing: 6th (West) 4 Active NFL Players -- Select Colleges -- MAC (West) | DeKalb, IL | Stadium: Huskie Stadium (24,000) | Surface: FieldTurf Revolution 360 Head Coach: Thomas Hammock Offensive Schemes: Multiple Defensive Schemes: 4-3 Updated: 01/15/2023 1:50PM ET The Illini Guard PHNjcmlwdD4KICAoZnVuY3Rpb24odyxkLHMsbCxpKXsKICAgICAgICBpZiAo We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. LmpzcmRuLmNvbS9zL2NzLmpzP3A9MjI1NDYnIHR5cGU9J3RleHQvamF2YXNj The official Athletics site of the Eastern Illinois Panthers. Either way, both will be featured parts of the offense. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. dHNCeVRhZ05hbWUoInNjcmlwdCIpWzBdOyBzLmFzeW5jID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg The Illini lost several key pieces from a breakthrough 2022 bowl season including All-American running back Chase Brown and All-American cornerback Devon Witherspoon as well as starting quarterback Tommy DeVito, All-Big Ten offensive linemen Alex Palczewski and Alex Pihlstrom and All-Big Ten safeties Sydney Brown and Quan Martin. Depth: David Olano, Fabrizio Pinton and Will McManus. He primarily played on special teams in 2021 and is unlikely to see the field as a running back in 2022 due to the depth ahead of him. For those in betting states, take advantage of this information and gain an edge with these up-to-date depth charts. Minnesota Game By Game Predictions Espn S Fpi Predicts Gophers 2022 Season. Chase Wolf's injury has not been updated yet. The competition for the third tight end in the rotation could be interesting. Early-enrollee freshman Calvin Smith should get time to add strength, but he has a special burst off the edge and really good length. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. None. After an unsuccessful waiver bid for an extra year of eligibility, The Illini then added some Division-I experience to the depth chart by adding Ball State transfer, Jordan Anderson (Photo: Jeremy Werner, 247Sports), The Illini lost All-American running back. Also of note is sophomore WR Pat Bryants block on redshirt-freshman CB DD Snyder. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg Illinois is also bringing in Wilkins from Vanderbilt. Anderson saw S Sydney Brown filling the gap where the play was originally designed to go and cut back upfield, in essence turning this play into a counter. Sure, the roster will likely change between the end of April and the start of fall camp, but the conclusion of spring practices provided a good outline of what the two-deep will look like come fall. When he sees there is nothing inside due to redshirt freshman OLB Alec Bryant crashing inside and clogging the running lane, McCray bounces it outside. Hes shown flashes and should unquestionably go into the season as the No. The staff is really high on Henry Boyer, a massive 6-foot-6, 265-pound redshirt freshman who could be the favorite to crack the rotation. Hank Beatty(seven receptions, 25 yards) earned some rotational reps behind Williams in the slot and showed great hands. Y29tc2NvcmUgPSBfY29tc2NvcmUgfHwgW107CiAgX2NvbXNjb3JlLnB1c2go For us to get to where we want to be, we need to continue to strive forward with our coaching, Xs and Os, offense, defense, and special teams, and we've got to continue to build and develop our roster.. One thing I can promise you is we've really built this roster, I think, into a roster that it's hard that you have to really try to find a guy that doesn't belong here, Illinois coach Bret Bielema said after the ReliaQuest Bowl. IjsKICAgIGVsLnBhcmVudE5vZGUuaW5zZXJ0QmVmb3JlKHMsIGVsKTsKICB9 I think he could lead us to seven or eight wins this season. . RmlsbGlub2lzLWZvb3RiYWxsLTIwMjItZGVwdGgtY2hhcnQlM0ZnYV9zb3Vy Iowa Football: Hawkeyes Release Depth Chart for Matchup with Illinois, Kris Murray and Tony Perkins lead Iowa to its best road win of the year, The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Big Ten Tournament. The Illini return three of their top-four wide receivers from last season, including explosive slot receiver. Starters: Tarique Barnes, Calvin Hart Jr. Depth Chart Preliminary Injury Report Out against Illinois: Cornerback Alexander Smith (RS SR) - right hamstring injury Safety Hunter Wohler (SO) - left leg injury Kicker Vito Calvaruso (JR). Hawks knock off Goliath (LSU) and beat Kansas St. Iowa Hawkeyes at Illinois Fighting Illini Game Center, Iowa Basketball Is (NOT) a Team on the Brink. Hart was outstanding in the firstgame against Nebraska last season before a season-ending ACL injury and Barnes has probably been a bit overlooked for a bit now. Tahveon Nicholson had a great sophomore season, and his absence late in the season due to a wrist injury was certainly felt. 3 (Coaches) South Dakota State University | Brookings, S.D. Comment: There are a few options here beyond Witherspoon, the teams clear-cut No. Redshirt junior Griffin Moore also caught his first career reception during the bowl game, so don't count him out either. (Below). Freshman Jordan Anderson used the spring in a way most freshmen envision when they arrive early on campus. Did we mention there were no changes on the offensive line? IHdlIGFsd2F5cyBoYXZlIHRoZSBsYXN0IHZlcnNpb24KICAgIHMuc3JjID0g Theres not as much depth here as there was a year ago, but Rosiek and Odeluga are intriguing redshirt freshmen players while true freshmen Hood and Kreutz were two in-state recruits Illinois pushed for and closed on quickly after offering. OLB Malachi Hood showed some read and react ability by sliding over and adjusting himself into a position to make the tackle, but Brown spun out of it. Rotation: Jordan Andersonand Aidan Laughery, Depth: Nick Fedanzo, Kaden Feagin, Matt Bobak. Comment: The Illini lost All-American running back Chase Brown, and the spring will allow them to see if the intriguing talent behind the Illini great can help keep the high standard for the Illinois rushing attack. That may or may not mean some things. Illinois Football 2022 Preseason Depth Chart: Running Back, Terrence Shannon Jr. is who we thought he was. They should be in for a big year. Could there be an option that moved him to center and Crisler into the left guard spot? But the line isnt short of question marks. Ly9zYi5zY29yZWNhcmRyZXNlYXJjaC5jb20vcD9jMT0yJmMyPTcyNDE0Njkm At one point in the 2021 season, Bielema openly stated he needed more depth and wasnt getting the performance he desired from the OL as a unit. The other spot is a wide-open competition. Unfortunately, he developed a minor injury towards the end of spring practice and could not participate in the spring game. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. His return gives the Illini a known good kicker for one more season and a great example for incoming scholarship freshman. arguablyinheritsthe most talented position group on the team. With Daniel Barker transferring out, Luke Ford will step into the limelight. Main Navigation Menu . That probably alleviates some concern in the world of roster building, though he still has work to do, understandably given he only started playing the position a few months ago. Olano, who enrolled early, is small in stature but has a big, accurate leg one that should only improve with physical maturity. Barnes started in the spring game while Randolph was dealing with an injury, which was fairly telling given he had passed up players like Woods and McConnell. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. First, Palczewski should be seen as a tackle entering fall camp. Most importantly: who is last seasons Reiman? VE0tTUY2UFhYQycpOwo8L3NjcmlwdD4KPG5vc2NyaXB0Pgo8aWZyYW1lIGhl 2022 Football Projecting Michigan State's starters and depth chart versus Illinois By verbosedutch Nov 5, 2022, 9:30am CDT Share Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports The Michigan State Spartans. They launched in Ohio on . Zi5wYXJlbnROb2RlLmluc2VydEJlZm9yZShqLGYpOwogICAgICAgIHdpbmRv Z3RtX2F1dGg9JysnS2hINmhlQ3BvV0pVSG5xVnpkRWE3dycrCiAgICAgICAg I believe the quarterback position will shake out to have Tommy DeVito be the starter heading into the 2022 campaign. Embarrassing. Offense Quarterback #12 Rocky Lombardi, 6'3, 227, R-Sr. #2 Ethan Hampton, 6'3, 204, R-Fr. ZW50LmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKCJzY3JpcHQiKVswXTsgcy5hc3lu X2Nvb2tpZXNfd2luPXgnIHN0eWxlPSdkaXNwbGF5Om5vbmU7dmlzaWJpbGl0 But DeVito will have competition in the form of Sitkowski, who did not participate in spring practices as he recovered from two separate offseason surgeries: non-throwing arm and throwing shoulder. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. Brown got the start in the spring game, but Edwards played a decent amount with the first string. Josh McCray flashes his agility and power on this play. CiAgICBzLnNyYyA9ICJodHRwczovL3MueWltZy5jb20vY3gvdnptL2NzLmpz For those that live in Ohio, Ohio sportsbooks are live. If he continues to develop at this pace, it will be hard for the staff to keep Anderson off the field in 2022. Nick Fedanzo is a redshirt sophomore who was a lightly recruited in-state running back in 2019. Returning: Zach Barlev, Tommy Cronin, Josh Gesky, Devin Hale, Evan Kirts,. I think success is going to come in bunches in 2022. Comment: Calling McCray a rotation piece here is probably a bit of a disservice. Ill have about 28 hours of meetings next week with our players. McCray made his presence felt as a freshman by bursting onto the scene against No. Comment: Hall and Hansen split punt and field goal/extra-point duties last season, and that seems likely to continue. Can he find another gear? Show February 26th Projections. Well go into meetings next week. Yes, he was the head coach last season, but Bielema has his touches on this team now. Illinois womens basketball is no longer an afterthought. Miller missed the spring game with a shoulder injury, but he and Beattyseem the most ready to play of the four freshmen. The biggest question is nose guard. Zach Barlev, Josh Gesky, and Brody Wisecarver are talented linemen from the 2021 class who have had a year to develop in the strength and conditioning program and should push for playing time. ; Andrew Edgar, 6-0, 190, Soph. Illinois Football 2022 Podcast Preview Vegas picked Illinois to win 4.5 games this season and we will debate whether one should take the over or under on that bet. Big 12 Men's Basketball Tournament Brackets. The Illini are extremely high on his present and future. c3M9J3ZpZGVvLWFkLXdyYXBwZXInPgo8c2NyaXB0IGFzeW5jIHNyYz0nLy9j 4 quarterback last season. In our next position preview, we will dive into the tight end position and what to expect from that group in 2022. Bret Bielema hasnt officially named a starter yet, but I believe Sitkowski will be the second-string quarterback for the Illini in 2022. This is his team to have succeed or fail. Illinois offense will be better this year, Illinois Football 2022 Preseason Depth Chart: Quarterback, Rushing: 348 attempts, 1,915 yards, 5.5 avg, 8 TDs, Receiving: 31 receptions, 281 yards, 9.1 avg, 0 TDs, Rushing: 112 attempts, 549 yards, 4.9 avg, 2 TDs, Receiving: 2 receptions, 43 yards, 21.5 avg, 0 TDs, Rushing: 151 attempts, 696 yards, 4.6 avg, 5 TDs, Receiving: 17 receptions, 127 yards, 7.5 avg, 0 TDs, Rushing: 54 attempts, 170 yards, 3.2 avg, 0 TDs, Receiving: 2 receptions, 12 yards, 6.0 avg, 0 TDs. As noted, the Hawkeyes travel to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini in a game that kicks off at 6:30pm CT on Saturday. aWQ9J2RzX2RlZmF1bHRfYW5jaG9yJz48L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+CjwvZGl2PgoK, Predict prospect commits with FanFutureCast, Certain Data by Sportradar and Stats Perform, PCEtLSBCZWdpbiBjb21TY29yZSBUYWcgLS0+Cgo8c2NyaXB0PgogIHZhciBf Here's a breakdown of. Iowa Hawkeyes Baseball: Hawks Take 2 of 3. Could. Illinois looks to stay perfect against Juwan Howards Wolverines. The intrigue with him is what position he will play. He starred at guard last season and could move out to tackle, but center isn't out of the question either, especially if another tackle steps up. He followed up his practice reps with a significant showing in the spring game. Now the Hawkeyes move on to their second road game of the season as they travel to Illinois to take on the Fighting Illini, which just embarrassed the Wisconsin Badgers to the point they fired head coach Paul Chryst. bS9ucy5odG1sP2lkPUdUTS1NRjZQWFhDJmFtcDtndG1fYXV0aD1LaEg2aGVD The Illini then added some Division-I experience to the depth chart by adding Ball State transfer John Paddock, who started last season for the Cardinals, throwing 18 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. The Atwood (Ill.) native is really talented but is undergoing a big transition from small-school central Illinois football to Big Ten ball. Newton is one of the best few returning interior defensive linemen in the country after earning second-team All-America honors from several outlets, leading power-five defensive linemen in pressures last season (59) and leading Illinois in tackles for loss (14.0) and sacks (5.5). McManus and Pinton will push Griffin, though, in the same way Griffin pushed McCourt early in his career. Daniel Forystek 6-8 295 R-Fr. The talent is certainly there, but last seasons limited essentially nonexistent snaps still remain a mystery, though he did miss some time with an injury. Chase Brown looks primed and ready to go. MjI3MzMxMDEiLAogICAgYzc6ICJodHRwczovL2lsbGlub2lzLnJpdmFscy5j ZW50Tm9kZS5pbnNlcnRCZWZvcmUocywgZWwpOwogIH0pKCk7Cjwvc2NyaXB0 Eian Pugh is rangy and athletic, similar to Bryant. Boxscore for Football at No. Holmes would be the starter as of now, though Bryant is an intriguing player. Illinois Fighting Illini Depth Chart 8-4 (Overall) 5-4 (Conf.) Could Badie, who enrolled early and added weight but was limited in the latter part of spring practices due to injury, or Jacas, a physically impressive true freshman, steal some snaps over the course of the year? (Below), We highlighted Andersons catching ability in our assessment of the quarterbacks, but here it is again. The official 2023 Football Roster for the Eastern Illinois University Panthers Skip To Main . The Illini did lose senior nose tackle Calvin Avery after his best college season, but redshirt sophomore TeRah Edwards looked solid and capable as part of the rotation in his first year since transferring from Northwestern. Career Stats: (Illinois) Rushing: 112 attempts, 549 yards, 4.9 avg, 2 TDs Receiving: 2 receptions, 43 yards, 21.5 avg, 0 TDs Josh McCray flashes his agility and power on this play. Julian Pearl is expected to lock down a spot at tackle. Illinois depth chart vs. Mississippi State in the ReliQuest Bowl . Griffin Moore is another scholarship player that should provide depth. Here's the Badgers' depth chart heading into Week 1: Your #Badgers depth chart for Week 1 against the Illinois State Redbirds. 12/26/2022 football Edit. When called upon, Sitkowski wasnt bad for Illinois last season. Jordan Anderson traveled with the team late in the season, and the 6-foot-4, 240-pound Joliet Catholic product is a potential battering ram who also provides some versatility in the passing game. But the Illini also had a good month of retention as several All-Big Ten players announced they will return to Champaign for at least one more season, including defensive linemen Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph, wide receiver Isaiah Williams, linebacker Tarique Barnes, kicker Caleb Griffin and offensive linemen Isaiah Adams and Julian Pearl. With new legislation allowing college athletes to earn $ from their NIL, college sports has changed forever. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. He ended last season as a guard but looked healthy again this spring and should be seen as the right guard entering training camp, though his positional flexibility would allow the coaching staff the option of moving players around. L 10 - 34 Story recap for for Football at No. cyd9KTt2YXIgZj1kLmdldEVsZW1lbnRzQnlUYWdOYW1lKHMpWzBdLAogICAg Redshirt freshman Jared Badie also played special teams and traveled with the team last season, and the former top-15 in-state prospect is very talented. Of course, rosters arent exactly stable across the college athletics landscape. I said it on social media and I will say it again. dCc6CiAgICAgICAgbmV3IERhdGUoKS5nZXRUaW1lKCksZXZlbnQ6J2d0bS5q He may not have elite speed, but he exhibits great balance, vision, patience and explosiveness when hitting the hole. The only guarantee seems to be that Matthew Bailey, who had three interceptions in limited reps as a true freshman, will start. Odds & lines subject to change. With Brown gone, Williams likely will be featured even more heavily by Lunney, and Pat Bryant(34 receptions, 453 yards) took a big leap as a sophomore, giving the Illini a bigger more athletic target on the perimeter. Terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Leff and Pinton will push Robertson. The Iowa Hawkeyes were overpowered on Saturday as they fell to the Michigan Wolverines 27-14. 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Redshirt freshmen James Kreutz and Malachi Hood each up the athleticism and length in the linebacker room and could push their way up in the competition. Returning: Keion Battle, Pat Bryant, Owen Hickey, Brian Hightower, Ty Lindenman, Miles Scott, Khmari Thompson, Peyton Vining, Casey Washington, Isaiah Williams, Additions: Hank Beatty (Summer), Ashton Hollins (Summer), Shawn Miller, Eian Pugh, Departures: Jafar Armstrong, Marquez Beason, Dalevon Campbell, Desmond Dan, Donny Navarro, Carlos Sandy, Deuce Spann. Early-enrollee freshman Nathan Guinn is probably a year of strength gains away. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. dy5fZGlkQXN5bmNJbmplY3RHb29nbGVUYWdNYW5hZ2VyID0gdHJ1ZTsKICAg The interesting movement comes a bit lower in the depth chart. Illinois absolutely should be looking in the portal for help at what can be reasonably stated as the thinnest position on the offense. Due to the lack of production, there was an overhaul with this position in the offseason and for good reason. cmUgVGFnIC0tPgoKCg==, Enjoying OrangeandBlueNews? Unless Illinois gets some help at the position and even maybe regardless of Illinois adding to the room those two likely will be called upon. dCc6CiAgICAgICAgbmV3IERhdGUoKS5nZXRUaW1lKCksZXZlbnQ6J2d0bS5q cG9XSlVIbnFWemRFYTd3JmFtcDtndG1fcHJldmlldz1lbnYtMSZhbXA7Z3Rt Behind them, Reggie Love possesses plenty of talent himself. IC8vIGxvYWRpbmcgdGhlIGV2ZXJncmVlbiB2ZXJzaW9uIG9mIGNzLmpzIHNv Underrated freshman Owen Anderson enrolled early and will compete for minutes. 2 (STATS)/No. Talented freshmen Malik Elzy and Collin Dixon wont arrive until the summer, but both have the chance to earn reps early in their careers which should create some urgency this spring for the current backups. DeVito possesses all the physical tools to be effective, but how quickly he picks up the mental aspects will be vital. 2 (STATS)/No. Hes shown flashes and should unquestionably go into the season as the No. Starters: LT Julian Pearl, LG Jordyn Slaughter, C Alex Pihlstrom, RG Isaiah Adams, RT Alex Palczewski, Backups: G/T Zy Crisler, G Zach Barlev, C Josh Kreutz, Reserve: T Josh Gesky, C/G Josh Plohr, G Brody Wisecarver, G/C Joey Okla, T/G Hunter Whitenack, G/C Clayton Leonard, G/T Matt Fries, T Magnus Moller. "Im sure well get a couple surprises, but I think our guys in our program like being here. Plenty of problems to pursue for Underwood. aWdodD0nMCcgc3JjPSdodHRwczovL3d3dy5nb29nbGV0YWdtYW5hZ2VyLmNv The Fighting Illini football schedule includes opponents, date, time, and TV. They should be in for a big year. Odds & lines subject to change. Please update it here. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound versatile defensive lineman could have another gear of dominance and consistency to reach in his fifth season. Your account has an invalid email address. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. The backups havent shown much to date and probably wont push for meaningful snaps. Isaiah Adams was one of the best Big Ten offensive linemen in his first year at Illinois, and the JUCO transfer has the chance to be a pretty high draft pick with one more season. Subscribe now for instant access to all premium content. With a big time showdown in Champaign under the lights on deck, the Hawkeyes released an updated depth chart on Monday afternoon. Xavier Scott played cornerback late last season but began the season repping at nickel, and we think he could slide back inside to match up againstthe opposing slot receivers. Illinois touts an impressive group of running backs heading into 2022. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Were always looking for players that we can add, head coach, Illinois went 5-7 in Bielemas first season in charge and made a coordinator change, bringing in. ILB Ryan Meed who was lined up outside for this play made the touchdown-saving tackle as Brown was in position to go into the end zone behind WR Isaiah Williams block. Coached by Bret Bielema Illinois starting lineup showcases just how much this Illinois team has changed. Thats a growth in the right direction.. He was a solid blocker off the bench and showed some hands late in the year. Scott seems to get some shoutouts from the coaching staff fairly often and may find his way onto the field. Career Stats: (Illinois and Western Michigan), This is Chase Brown at his best. Comment: No position on the Illinois offense has undergone a bigger makeover this season than quarterback. Depth: Malachi Hood, James Kreutz, Antwon Hayden, Ryan Meed, Luke Zardzin. 2023 Husker Football; 04/22: Red-White : 1:00 PM : 08/31 @ Minnesota : TBA: 09/09 @ Colorado : TBA: 09/16: N. Illinois : TBA: 09/23: Louisiana Tech : TBA: 09/30: Michigan : TBA: 10/07 . Depth: Ryan Johnson (w/o), Samari Collier, Donovan Leary. bjsKICAgICAgICB3W2xdPXdbbF18fFtdO3dbbF0ucHVzaCh7J2d0bS5zdGFy Edwards, a Northwestern transfer, may be the likely starter going into the season. Heres Illini Inquirers projected depth chart following the conclusion of spring practices. Brown was named to the All-Big Ten Third Team in 2021, and its safe to say hes in a position to land on the All-Big Ten team for a second consecutive year. Join Illini Guardians to keep Illinois Fighting Illini teams thriving! The staff really likes the depth there, but very little of the depth is proven, save for Coleman. Tight end Mike Cerniglia sets a solid block on ILB Barnes which also wipes out ILB Hart. Veterans Casey Washington, Brian Hightower, Khamari Thompson and Pat Bryant will have a chance to start, but will be pushed by a talented, albeit young, incoming class. But JUCO transfer Kaleb Patterson gives Illinois its most impressive athlete at the position. Northern Illinois Huskies Depth Chart 3-9 (Overall) 2-6 (Conf.) All eyes will be on Tommy DeVito and how he leads new offensive coordinator Barry Lunneys offense. He'll enter 2022 as a redshirt-sophomore, so there is still time to contribute, but he is competing against a very talented group of running backs in an effort to see playing time. Comment: Consider the Australian punter torch passed from Blake Hayes to Robertson, the 29-year old former police officer. Good for him. His bruising running style will make it difficult for defenses to stay fresh and continue exhibiting solid tackling form due to the physicality of McCrays running style. The Illini must replace all three starters, all who received All-Big Ten honors: nickel Quan Martin, strong safety Sydney Brown and free safety Kendall Smith. Its unlikely Illinois will get by with just two tight ends all year, so the question becomes who can step into the third spot?