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Illinois Football: 5 surprises on the Scout depth chart

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini walks off the field after the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. Western Michigan defeated Illinois 34-10. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 17: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini walks off the field after the game against the Western Michigan Broncos at Memorial Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. Western Michigan defeated Illinois 34-10. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 15: A general view of Memorial Stadium as the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on October 15, 2011 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 17-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Ricky Smalling taking over

One area that Lovie hit a home run in for the class of 2017 was at wide receiver. He recruited a great group of players who are arguably the best bunch of wide receivers to come in a class since the late 2000’s.

Two of the starting wide receivers were obvious in Mike Dudek and Malik Turner. These two have so much talent and will help the quarterback tremendously. The other starting wide receiver spot was wide open and Ricky Smalling looks to be slotted into that role.

Smalling is a true freshman this season. He came in the class of 2017 along with Carmoni Green and Kendall Smith. Both of these guys will eventually get their shot but right now, Smalling is looked to for starting snaps.

This was a great decision by Lovie and I can’t wait to see Smalling take the field. He was rated as a four-star recruit who was the No. 382 player in the class of 2017. I want to see him succeed so the Illini can produce on the field and it will also help in recruiting as well.

Smalling is a state of Illinois product. If he does well and so do the Illini, then the program will have an easier time convincing in-state kids to stay local. I am excited to see this kid play and he has earned the starting job.

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