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

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 04: An Illinois football helmet sits on the field before the start of the Big Ten Conference game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 4, 2017, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Caleb Reams

The offense needs as much help as possible and developing a former tight end to play the wide receiver role could be a great way to go for the Illini. That is what is happening with Caleb Reams.

Reams is a 6-foot-2, 250-pound former tight end who is now transforming into a serious weapon on the outside. He came into the Illinois program back in 2015 as a tight end and was redshirted year one. During his redshirt freshman campaign, he had a chance to start one game and played in five others.

Last season was a big step forward for Reams. He ended up playing in 11 games for the Illini and started in three of those contests. The experience he received from game action last year will do wonders for him this upcoming season.

Illinois is also a little thin at the wide receiver spot as well. The usual faces of Ricky Smalling, Carmoni Green and Mike Dudek will all be there this season, but behind them, they need someone who can catch the ball. That is why Reams will be so important.

Reams seems to be really developing in his role as a wide receiver. He looked good in spring ball and even caught a few touchdown passes. Cam Thomas threw a 71-yard touchdown and Cam Miller threw a 25-yard touchdown both to Reams.

The development of another experienced wide receiver is huge for this Illini team. The more experience the better. They will need Reams when the fall rolls around.

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