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Illinois Football: Noticeable Differences for the Spring Practice Roster

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Football fans wearing shirts with a message honoring new Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith enjoy activities in Grange Grove before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Football fans wearing shirts with a message honoring new Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith enjoy activities in Grange Grove before the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Illinois football team opened up spring practice yesterday and it was an exciting time for Illini fans.

Illinois released their new spring practice roster and there were a few noticeable changes. Here are some of the changes I observed compared to last year’s team.

Del’Shawn Phillips is No. 3

Illinois had safety Taylor Barton graduate and to replace his number is junior college transfer linebacker, Del’Shawn Phillips.

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Phillips is going to be a crucial part of the Illini this season and next year as well. He will fill the missing spot that middle linebacker Hardy Nickerson left open after departing for the NFL.

Getting Phillips up to speed during spring practice has to be a top priority.  He is used to a JUCO level of football and there is a pretty big difference in the pace of the game.

Ke’Shawn Vaughn’s number goes to Carmoni Green

One of the early enrollee freshmen was wide receiver Carmoni Green. He needed to enroll early because Illinois needed wide receiver help and coming in early will only benefit him on the field.

Green will be taking the No. 5 for the Illini. This number looks familiar because last season running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn had that number. His career at Illinois took a turn for the worse and now Green takes overs the coveted No. 5.

Illinois is going to need Green to perform up to the history of the No. 5.  Some Illini greats have worn that number and hopefully, he falls right in line talent wise.

Next: Illini Spring Practice Schedule for the 2017 Season

Sean Mills takes over at Long Snapper

Last season Michael Martin was the starting long snapper for all 12 games for the Illinois football team. He has been the long snapper for the Illini since his sophomore season.

This year redshirt freshman Sean Mills takes over at long snapper. He hasn’t played in college yet, but I think the Illini are in good hands with Mills handling the snaps.

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