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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 28: Wisconsin Badgers running back Bradrick Shaw (7) stiff arms Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (3) while running with the ball during the game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 28, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 28: Wisconsin Badgers running back Bradrick Shaw (7) stiff arms Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Del’Shawn Phillips (3) while running with the ball during the game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 28, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Outside Linebacker

Starter: Del’Shawn Phillips

Illinois lost some linebacker help due to transfers but one player who stayed and will be great in 2018 is Del’Shawn Phillips.

Phillips transferred in as a JUCO player last season. He was sensational in his only season so far for the Illini. He ended the year with 85 tackles, one sack and two pass deflections. Heading into the 2018 campaign, I expect him to be even better.

There is no doubt in my mind Phillips will be one of the starting linebackers for the Illini next season. He was one of their best defensive players, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made it on the All-Big Ten first or second team in 2018.

Backup: Jimmy Marchese

One player who surprised me last season was Jimmy Marchese. He played in every game for the Illini and even made two starts.

Marchese finished the 2017 campaign with 18 tackles. He was a good backup who ended up getting some invaluable starting time for Lovie and the Illini. I expect him to continue being a backup for Phillips in 2018.

Backup: Khalan Tolson

Illinois snagged some talented players from the class of 2018 which included Khalan Tolson. He is a big three-star linebacker who was the No. 898 player in the nation.

I like Tolson’s build and his ability on the football field. He is my third string linebacker right now but don’t be surprised if he moves up the depth chart and sees a start or two in 2018.

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