Illinois Football: Early Illini projected depth chart for 2018

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 – SEPTEMBER 17: Dele Harding /

Middle Linebacker

Starter: Dele Harding

The Illinois linebacker depth isn’t necessarily all there but their starters are a great group of players led by junior Dele Harding.

Harding was a great get by Lovie Smith in what was his “first” recruiting class as a head coach. He made his first start this past season getting the nod in five games and playing in a total of eight. He also missed four games with injuries.

Health is a big issue with this Illinois football team. As long as Harding stays healthy, I don’t have too many worries about the linebacker core. He is a really good player who recorded 32 tackles last season.

Backup: Ayo Shogbonyo

The backup to Harding also has some starting experience. Ayo Shogbonyo ended up playing in 12 games last season and started one of those contests. He is a nice backup to have for Harding.

Having experience like Shogbonyo does at linebacker is great. If Harding does deal with injuries in 2018, Shogbonyo should be able to step in for him. But, hopefully, that doesn’t happen.

I see Shogbonyo being the backup to Harding for pretty much the entire year. He is a solid backup and Illinois needs him for depth.

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