Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: Class of 2017 Position Grades for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 1, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith watches during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers Illinois Fighting Illini in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith watches during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers Illinois Fighting Illini in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 9
Next
Nov 26, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) catches a touchdown pass in front of Northwestern Wildcats safety Marcus McShepard (17) during the second half at Ryan Field. The Northwestern Wildcats won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) catches a touchdown pass in front of Northwestern Wildcats safety Marcus McShepard (17) during the second half at Ryan Field. The Northwestern Wildcats won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver A-

Last season, the Illinois football team started with Justin Hardee and Malik Turner as the primary starting wide receivers and then moved to a three-wide set.

Illinois ended up losing Hardee to graduation.  He started every game for the Illini and finished with 314 yards on the season.

The Illini also lost DJ Taylor, Man Berg, and Zach Grant as well.  Both Taylor and Berg didn’t have much production with Illinois, but Grant ended up starting in nine games and played in all 12 last season.

So really, Illinois lost Hardee and Grant who both started a total of 21 games last year.  That is production that needs to be made up.

Illinois is getting Turner back who will be in his starting role again.  They also finally have a healthy Mike Dudek and Sam Mays who are both projected to start in 2017.

Lovie is also bringing in Carmoni Green, who enrolled early.  He was a big-time player down in Florida and someone I think could see playing time early on.

Ricky Smalling and Kendall Smith are also coming in from the class of 2017, like Green.

Smalling will see playing time in 2017 and I think he could eventually start in place of Mays.  He is a superstar from the state of Illinois and someone to keep an eye on.

I could see Smith redshirting year one.  Illinois received some depth from the class of 2017 and they have some players coming back healthy as well.  This leaves room for Smith to take his time and grow.

Overall, the Illini gained a lot more than they lost at wide receiver.  The players Lovie brought in will have an impact day one and I can’t wait to see what they do on the field.

Home/Illinois Football