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Illinois Football: Illini offensive lineman Darta Lee arrested

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a football and pylon before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; A detailed view of a football and pylon before the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Darta Lee has been arrested on charges of home invasion and armed robbery.

According to Bret Beherns of WCIA-TV, Lee was arrested early Wednesday morning on charges of home invasion and armed robbery. He is currently in jail as of right now and the University of Illinois will release a statement later today.

Lee was a two-star recruit from Hightower High School in Sugar Land, Texas. He wasn’t ranked nationally but was a nice addition to add depth to the program.

In the first season Lee spent with the Illini, he actually made two starts on the offensive line. Illinois had troubles the entire season in 2016 on the offensive line and this enabled him to see some action. He also played in four other games for the Illini as well. He was the first true Illinois freshman to start on the offensive line in the last two decades according to the University website.

I was expecting Lee to be the starting offensive guard this upcoming season for Lovie Smith and the Illini. He was pegged as the starter ahead of Zach Heath because of his decent freshman campaign and the fact he had starting snaps under his belt.

But, now that Lee has been arrested on some strong charges, Illinois will likely be looking for another starter at the guard position. There are two ways to look at this situation.

The non-football way is sad. This kid will likely ruin his chance at a good football career because he made a terrible decision with his life. Depending on what happens with the charges, he could be done in the orange and blue. If the charges are true, I hope he can get the help he needs to get his life back on track.

Now, looking at this from a football standpoint, Illinois was already thin on the offensive line. They needed all the depth they could get and now they are another man down. Lovie and Luke Butkus are going to have to do an amazing job with the current group if they want to have a good season this year.

I expect Heath to move up into the starting role with the possibility of Jake Cerny getting some snaps as well.

Next: Outlook in final two weeks of season

This is some sad news on all fronts but more importantly, I hope the victims in the situation are safe and healthy.

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