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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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EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 26: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini watches as his team takes on the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 26, 2016 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

5. Bennett Williams making an impact

The defensive backs need to be special for the Illini this season. They are extremely talented but need to come through so Illinois can win some ball games.

Cameron Watkins and Jaylen Dunlap are projected to be the starting cornerbacks for the Illini once again. They both played a lot last season and should be tremendous this year. They work well together.

Chris James is going to be the starting nickleback for the Illini. He is another experienced player who had four starts last season and played in every game.  I am excited to see what Hardy Nickerson does with James this year.

At strong safety, the Illini are projected to start Pat Nelson. He managed to start six games for the Illini last season at the same position. Expect Nelson to take another step forward in his development in 2017.

The biggest surprise at defensive back is who will be starting at free safety. I expected Stanley Green to get the nod here but it looks like won’t despite starting seven games at the same position last year. This season Bennett Williams is likely to start at free safety.

Next: Projected Illini roster for 2020 season

Williams is a true freshman rated as a three-star recruit coming out of high school. The move to him over Green is a big surprise and it means Williams has really shown some serious talent in practice. I can’t wait to see what he can do in the Big Ten.

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