Illinois Football: 5 Illini players to be excited about after spring practice

1 of 6

CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Illinois Fighting Illini band members cheer on the football team during the Big Ten Conference game as the Illini take on the Michigan State Spartans on November 5, 2016, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Illinois football team has wrapped up their spring practice and scrimmage with rave reviews.

Illinois, for the most part, had everyone emerge from this spring full intact and ready to start summer workouts. There were a few bumps in the road as far as lingering injuries and some off-field stuff, but nothing too bad for this program looking to get back on track.

There are so many players I am excited about entering the 2018 campaign. Illinois has a team full of more talented and experienced players than we have seen in quite some time. They have depth at positions that haven’t seen depth in almost a decade. They are bringing in even more talent from the class of 2018 as well.

Getting this team on track does take time. Lovie Smith is in his third season as the Illini head coach and things seem to be trending in the right direction. Sure, Illinois dipped to just two wins in 2017, but the team was left with little quarterback help and that expedited the horrific season.

This year should be different, though. Cam Thomas returns with more experience. There is a new offensive system in place under Rod Smith. The running backs are all getting healthy and they are excited about running wild. Let’s not forget about the defense that impressed last year despite being extremely young.

There is a lot to look forward to with this Illini team. Here are five Illini players to be excited about after spring practice.

Home/Illinois Football