Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: 5 Dark Horse Players for 2016

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Sep 5, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Sam Mays (9) catches a touchdown pass over Kent State Golden Flashes cornerback Demetrius Monday (21) at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Kent State 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Sam Mays (9) catches a touchdown pass over Kent State Golden Flashes cornerback Demetrius Monday (21) at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Kent State 52-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

The Illinois offense should be pretty good this season.  Despite losing Mike Dudek once again, the Illini are returning a core that saw a great deal of playing time last year.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Behind the starters are a handful of other wide receivers that many people are unsure of.  One of those wide receivers is Sam Mays.

Right now, Mays is projected to be in the second-string behind junior Malik Turner.  But, I think he could see some extended playing time this season.

Last year as a true freshman Mays showed off his talent that he brings to the team.  Illinois fans didn’t get to see much of him but when they did it was impressive.

Mays finished the year with 7 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.  I see these numbers rising dramatically this season.

I expect Mays to be around 15-20 catches for around 200 yards in 2016.  This is why he will be a dark horse.  No one is expecting much out of Mays but I think he could shine when given the chance.

Mays could also end up being a great asset around the end zone as well.  He stands at 6-foot-3.5 and this is great size for a scoring target.

I think there is a lot of potential for Mays.  I am excited to see what he can do this season.

Next: No. 3 Dark Horse

Home/Illinois Football