Already been a busy weekend.
It was no secret that the Illini were a heavily senior-laden team, with the starting offensive line and linebackers almost all being seniors, along with a top-20 QB and their best wideout moving on, along with a few key starters and rotational players.
Then, when the transfer portal was opened, other players moved on, including Cole Rusk, Justin Bowick, Malachi Hood, Curt Neal, JoJo Hayden, Jeremiah Warren, and David Olano. In all, 28 players graduated, and plenty are exiting via the portal, leaving the cupboard a little sparse.
What’s left?
Illinois does have a solid core to work with. Offensively, they have returning starters, RG Brandon Henderson. WR Collin Dixon and Hudson Clement, and the RB trio of Ca’Lil Valentine, Aidan Laughery, and Kaden Feagin. They also have key reserves on the line with Nathan Knapik, TJ McMillen. The biggest void to fill will be under center with the graduation of Luke Altmyer, but Illinois announced Sunday night that it signed East Carolina signal caller Katin Houser to shore up the position.
Defensively, Tomiwa Durojaiye was the sole starting member of the defensive line left, but he entered the portal on Sunday. However, Angelo McCullom saw significant time, and redshirt-freshman Demitrius John will get his chance to compete for a spot. While all of the starting linebackers are gone, there is still talent there with OLBs Joe Barna and Daniel Brown. They also have former 4-star recruit Grant Beerman and Ismael Kante. The secondary still has a core of talent with Juice Clarke, Mac Resetich, Saboor Karim, and Tanner Heckel. They are still waiting to see whether Matthew Bailey will declare for the NFL or return for his senior season, and whether Xavier Scott — who could apply for a redshirt year or declare for the draft — will do so. The Illini coaches also feel good about redshirt-freshman R. J. Jones III at the CB spot.
Help on the way:
The Illini have the 21st-best recruiting class in the nation and the 6th-best in the B1G.
Some key players who could contribute right away offensively are JUCO OL transfers T.J. Taylor and Maika Matelau. Also, 4-Star WR Nasir Rankin could see action as a true freshman.
Another JUCO transfer who could be a plug-and-play is safety Jakwon Morris. Four-star cornerback Nick Hankins is another who could see some immediate playing time as well.
Bielema will have to go portal shopping.
The Illini will need to look to the portal for experience and talent to fill some holes and provide depth.
They picked up two Defensive players so far with 6-foot-5, 290-pound DL Carter Janki, a senior and two-time All-Ivy League selection with Penn. This season, he had 42 tackles, nine TFLs, four sacks, and 28 pressures.
The Illini also secured the services of East Texas A&M senior safety Levon Williams. He’s described as versatile enough to play free safety or the nickel as well. In two years, he has accumulated 129 tackles with nine TFLs, four sacks, and 13 pass breakups.
Category: General Sports
