Illinois Football: Early Illini projected depth chart for 2018

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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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 04: Louis Dorsey /

Tight End

Starter: Louis Dorsey

On offense, Illinois fans had very few things they could cheer for. This side of the ball was pretty dismal but one shining light was tight end, Louis Dorsey.

Dorsey came into the Illinois program last season as a solid three-star recruit. I really liked him coming out of high school but it seemed there were a few players in front of him to start the season. This didn’t take long to change, though.

By the Western Kentucky game, Dorsey started to get starts for the Illini. He ended up playing in every game and started seven contests. He finished the year with 22 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns. This earned him Big Ten Networks All-Freshman Team honors.

I really look for Dorsey to continue improving this season. He didn’t have a quarterback last year for most of the campaign but now Cam Thomas has a year under his belt, and I think MJ Rivers will hold the starting job. The future is bright for anyone wanting to catch a pass.

Backup: Henry McGrew

Illinois really doesn’t have another pass catching tight end on the team. Henry McGrew will get some starts this upcoming season and see some snaps as well, but he is mainly used to have another blocker in the game.

I like McGrew but he is limited. He is a solid backup to Dorsey, though.

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