Illinois Fighting Illini College Football Preview 2021: Top Players
Best Illinois Fighting Illini Offensive Player
RB Chase Brown, Soph.
It’s going to be a deeper backfield with a whole slew of options to play around with, but Brown turned into a nice back last season who proved he could be the No. 1. He wasn’t used enough as a receiver, but he led the team with 540 yards and three touchdowns, averaging over five yards per carry.
He’s not going to blast over anyone but he’s got a burst, running for 131 yards against Rutgers and 110 against Nebraska in back-to-back wins – the two of the season for the team, and his only two 100-yard games.
2. OT Verderian Lowe, Sr.
3. C Doug Kramer, Sr.
4. TE Daniel Barker, Jr.
5. WR/QB Isaiah Williams, RFr.
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Best Illinois Fighting Illini Defensive Player
LB Jake Hansen, Sr.
The guy tackles everything with 242 stops with seven sacks, ten forced fumbles and 26 tackles for loss in his three-plus years of work. He led the team in two of the last three seasons, and the only reason he didn’t make it all three was because he got dinged up.
He’ll be the steady all-star rock for the defense, but watch out for Owen Carney and others to breakout and become bigger statistical stars, too.
2. LB Owen Carney, Sr.
3. DT Rodrick Perry, Sr.
4. LB Isaiah Gay, Sr.
5. CB Devon Witherspoon, Soph.
Top Incoming Illinois Fighting Illini Transfer
WR Jafar Armstrong, Sr.
The passing game needs more stars. It has a strong tight end in Daniel Barker, and Brian Hightower is okay, but losing Josh Imatorbhebhe hurts. Armstrong might not be a true No. 1 star, but he’s going to add more pop to the mix.
The former Notre Dame all-around offensive option only averaged 9.8 yards per catch, on his 30 grabs, but he ran for 513 yards and scores nine touchdowns. He’s 6-0 and 220 pounds, and now he’s going to be used in a variety of ways for the Illini, too.
– What You Need To Know: Offense | Defense
– Keys To The Season
– What Will Happen, Win Total Prediction
– Illinois Schedule Analysis