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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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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 14: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Defensive End

Starter: Bobby Roundtree

There were a few true freshmen last season for the Illini who stood out as potentially All-American caliber talents. Bobby Roundtree is clearly going to form into one of those great players.

Roundtree came into the Illinois program and made an impact from day one. He ended up playing in every game and even started nine times for the team. He finished the 2017 campaign with 50 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble.

This upcoming season will be no different. Roundtree will start once again and be sensational. I think he can follow up his Big Ten Network All-Freshman Team honor with an All-Big Ten type of performance. This Illinois defensive line is going to be extremely dangerous.

Backup: Owen Carney Jr.

The Illini depth at defensive end really shows here with Owen Carney as the backup to Roundtree. He came into the Illinois program as a four-star recruit according to Rivals.

Carney played in ten games last season for the Illini. He will continue to be an impact player for this team as a backup. I could see him getting a lot of snaps, though, and maybe a start or two.

Backup: Lere Oladipo

Another depth piece who was one of the few redshirt freshmen last season is Lere Oladipo. He came in highly rated and should see some action in 2018. But, he will have to fight for his snaps.

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