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.