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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 – NOVEMBER 11: Illinois free safety Stanley Green (7) gets ready to tackle Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. (1) in the second quarter during a Big Ten Conference football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on November 11, 2017, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 11: Illinois free safety Stanley Green (7) gets ready to tackle Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. (1) in the second quarter during a Big Ten Conference football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on November 11, 2017, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Strong Safety

Starter: Stanley Green

The transfer of safety Patrick Nelson will open up some more playing time for other talented players on the Illini roster. One beneficiary of his transfer will be Stanley Green.

Green will be heading into his junior season with the Illini in 2018. He has had a good career so far that has seen some starts throughout his time in Champaign.

In 2016, Green ended up starting in seven games as a true freshman. He continued his great play and earned seven starts in 2017 as well. He was also an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection by the coaches and media.

Green will once again lead the Illini into battle in 2018. I really like him as a player and think he will be one of the best in the conference.

Backup: Dawson DeGroot

The backup to Green in 2018 is projected to be Dawson DeGroot. I didn’t think he was going to come into the Illinois program and play much year one. I was wrong, though.

Last season – as a true freshman – DeGroot ended up playing in seven games for the Illini and had one start under his belt. This was some good experience for a player who will be valuable for depth moving forward.

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