Writing Illini
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
18 of 21
Next
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Cameron Watkins (31) tackles Indiana Hoosiers running back Devonte Williams (2) during the game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 11, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 11: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Cameron Watkins (31) tackles Indiana Hoosiers running back Devonte Williams (2) during the game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on November 11, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Cornerback

Starter: Cameron Watkins

The other starting cornerback for the Illinois football team is going to be Cameron Watkins. He is one of the most experienced players in the defensive backfield for the Illini.

Watkins ended up starting in seven games last season as a sophomore. A lot of this had to do with injuries but he still got some good experience and should be the starter heading into 2018.

When the season finished up, Watkins totaled 39 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. He was a solid cornerback who will continue being a good player. He is the best option right now for the other cornerback position.

Backup: Frank Sumpter

Backing up Watkins at cornerback will be fellow junior, Frank Sumpter. Illinois fans are somewhat familiar with Sumpter’s work. He started two games as a redshirt freshman but didn’t see too much action last season.

In 2017, Sumpter only played in a total of seven games with zero starts. He is going to be looked upon to provide some backup work for Watkins this upcoming season, though. Hopefully, he will be ready when called.

Illinois needs more depth in this area. They are a little shallow at cornerback. There will be opportunities for incoming freshman Delano Ware and JUCO transfer Nicholas Walker to get some playing time this upcoming season.

Home/Illinois Football