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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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Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive end Dawuane Smoot (91) sacks Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) at Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Illini won 14 – 13. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

DE Dawuane Smoot

Next: DT Chunky Clements

The history of the Illini defensive linemen extends back decades.  A great player that is going to be a high draft pick next season is defensive end Dawuane Smoot.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

I have Smoot starting at left defensive end this season because he is one of the best linemen we have.

When Smoot was recruited he wasn’t looked at by many big powerful DI schools.  Illinois was the only power five conference to offer him a scholarship besides Indiana.

I don’t know if this put a chip on his shoulder, but Illinois sure did find a gem.

Smoot had a solid first season with the Illini.  He managed 8 tackles and a sack in the 4 games he participated.

The following season was a big improvement.  Smoot saw action in 12 games and accumulated 33 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Last year was the best season for Smoot and the Illinois defense.  He had 39 tackles and an outstanding 7 sacks on the year.

Heading into the 2016 I look for Smoot to continue being the dominate force we are now used to seeing.  He has a lot to play for this year.

Illinois should be a good team and a bowl contender.  He also has a future to play for.  The better he plays the more money he makes down the road.

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