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Illinois Football: Early Illini projected depth chart for 2018

By Rees Woodcock

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Offensive Tackle

Starter: Reuben Unije

The Illinois football team had a young group of offensive linemen last season with four true freshmen starting at times. They are adding a few more talented freshmen for 2018 and Reuben Unije will likely start.

Unije was a big get for Lovie and the Illini. He was a high three-star recruit who was the No. 437 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 32 offensive tackle in the nation. Getting him from a prestigious program like IMG Academy is big for the future of the Illinois football program.

I am excited by the fact Illinois could snag such a talented player like Unije. He will come into the program day one and get the starting job. It won’t be easy, though. There are a lot of Illini offensive linemen who have experience now and can potentially win the starting job or at least take some snaps.

Backup: Vederian Lowe

One of the Illinois true freshman offensive linemen that saw a ton of action last season was Vederian Lowe. He came into the program as a high three-star recruit and played right away for Lovie.

Lowe ended up being nominated as a Big Ten Network All-Freshman honorable mention player. He deserved that recognition as well. He played in eight games for the Illini and started in seven of those contests. Having a player of his caliber as a backup is a great thing for this Illinois football team.

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