Illinois Football: 5 storylines to begin Illini training camp

4. The offensive line is still shaking out

The group that needed the most help after last season was the offensive line. They weren’t very good in 2017, but they are going to need to improve this upcoming season if the team wants to potentially make a bowl game.

The first look at the offensive line in training went Vederian Lowe and Alex Palczewski at offensive tackle, Nick Allegretti and Kendrick Green at guard and Doug Kramer at center. This wasn’t too far off what I was projecting.

Kramer was the sure-fire center to start the season. He is a solid option for the Illini. Allegretti is the most experienced offensive linemen Illinois has as well. He will continue to dominate at his usual guard position.

I find it interesting that Palczewski has moved over to the tackle position. He started 11 games last season at guard. He is lining up on the same side as Allegretti which is going to make for one solid side of the offensive line.

Having Green starting at the other guard position is interesting as well. He was redshirted last season and is now a starter as a redshirt freshman. He was a top 400 recruit in the class of 2017, so his talent must be really showing early on in his career. He also came in as a defensive tackle and flipped over to the offensive line, so his emergence is impressive.

Even though I see some people grumbling about the start of Lowe at tackle, I kind of like this move by the Illini. He started seven games last season at tackle and his experience should be a good thing to have on the line.

Illinois needs to improve on the offensive line. The first look at the starters is exciting. I think this group could do some special things in 2018.