The Illinois football team is building a program into a contender. That is something we haven’t seen in quite some time.
Building the foundation of this team is extremely important and that is what Lovie Smith and the coaching staff is doing with the class of 2017.
This class has some talented players coming in from multiple positions, but the one position I have my eye on is the wide receivers.
One of the recruits even enrolled early so he gets to participate in spring practice as well. Illinois has quite the stable of wide receivers heading into 2017.
Here is the spring practice wide receiver depth chart for the Illini.
Illinois Fighting Illini
Starter: Malik Turner
Since joining the Illinois football program back in 2014, Turner has been a main staple in the wide receiver core. He has increased his production every season and I hope he can continue that in 2017.
Last season, Turner caught 48 passes for 712 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was the heartbeat in a lifeless body we called the Illinois offense.
Starter: Sam Mays
During Mays’ freshman campaign you could see glimpses of a talented player in the making. His 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame enabled him to go up and get the ball.
In 2016, Mays doubled his production from the year before with 13 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown. I expect him to really come onto the scene this season.
Starter: Mike Dudek
Remember back in 2014 when there was a starting freshman wide receiver named Mike Dudek who caught 76 passes for 1038 yards and 6 touchdowns? Well, that guy is still around.
After two years of not being able to play due to injuries, Dudek is back and better than ever. He is ready to be an impact player and hopefully, Illinois puts him in a bubble until September 2.
Backup: Dominic Thieman
Thieman didn’t get a ton of playing time in his freshman campaign, but when he was out there you could tell he could play. He finished the 2016 campaign with 6 catches for 32 yards.
I expect there to be a battle for the backup roles this upcoming season. Illinois is bringing in some talented wide receivers and Thieman will have to prove he belongs as the backup.
Backup: Carmoni Green
One of the prized recruits for the Illinois football coaching staff is Miami, Florida native, Carmoni Green. He is a three-star by scout but a four-star by other recruiting outlets.
Green enrolled early so he will participate in spring practice. Watch for him to potentially steal some snaps this season from the starters.
Next: Spring Practice Running Back Depth Chart Breakdown
Backup: MJ McGriff
One of the quickest guys on the team last season was McGriff. He will be a huge asset this season and I look for him to be our Steve Smith.
McGriff stands at 5-foot-9, 190-pounds, but don’t let the size fool you. He will be a nice player for the Illini for years to come.