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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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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 18: Defensive back Ahmari Hayes
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 18: Defensive back Ahmari Hayes /

Cornerback

Starter: Nate Hobbs

One of the most pleasant surprises from the 2017 season was the development of true freshman cornerback, Nate Hobbs. He came in and played right away but struggled early on.

By seasons end, Hobbs was arguably the best cornerback on the Illini roster and one of the best young players in the nation. He is going to be a huge asset moving forward.

Hobbs finished the 2017 campaign with 48 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. The most impressive stat is the fact he started 10 out of the 12 games the Illini played. This experience is invaluable for the future.

Hobbs is going to be a sensational player for Illinois. Having him as one of the two starting cornerbacks gives me comfort with the Illini pass defensive.

Backup: Tony Adams

I have Tony Adams as the projected backup cornerback to Hobbs starting the 2018 season. If this is the case, Illinois should be in good hands.

Adams started the 2017 campaign off much like Hobbs. He was getting a lot of playing time and even started the first two games of the season. But, he ended up going down with an injury and missing the final seven games of the year.

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I think Adams will continue to develop heading into the future. He was really starting to come around before going down with the injury. He is a solid backup for Hobbs.

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