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Illinois Football: Projected Defensive Depth Chart

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 27, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illni defenders Jarrod Clements (99) and DeJazz Woods (90) signal first down as they wait for the referees
Sep 27, 2014; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illni defenders Jarrod Clements (99) and DeJazz Woods (90) signal first down as they wait for the referees /
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Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; A general view of Memorial Stadium before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; A general view of Memorial Stadium before the game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

CB Cameron Watkins

Next: 2nd String

Illinois needs to have a great defensive backfield to be a great team this season.  One player that I think could sneak into the starting cornerback role come August is Cameron Watkins.

Watkins is a redshirt freshman that was supposed to be a project for the coaching staff.  He was extremely raw coming out of high school but I believe he could become the starter.

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When Illinois was recruiting running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn they also nabbed his high school teammate Watkins.  This was a package deal that is going to benefit the Illini greatly.

Watkins was only a 2-star athlete in the recruiting rankings.  He had offers from two power five conference programs, Illinois and Vanderbilt.

Last season Watkins sat out the year because they redshirted him and now he is back as a freshman again, this time with a lot more knowledge.

I know a lot of recruiting sites and other places don’t have Watkins as the starting cornerback right now but I think he has a chance to move into this spot when the season starts.

Watkins had a great spring.  The coaches really noticed him and he was a nightmare on the field for the other sides quarterback.

I can’t wait to see what Lovie and his staff does with the cornerback position.  It is up in the air right now and I think Watkins has a legit shot and coming down with it.

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