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Illinois Football: 5 storylines to begin Illini training camp

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 02: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 02: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 11: Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback AJ Bush (6) cuts back during the Virginia Tech Hokies v Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets game on November 11, 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 11: Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback AJ Bush (6) cuts back during the Virginia Tech Hokies v Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets game on November 11, 2017 at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5. Illini offense is going to be more exciting this season

It is extremely early in training camp, but from what I have read, Rod Smith’s offense is looking good already. It is exciting to see some life in the Illini offense and it all starts at quarterback.

The potential to have AJ Bush start at quarterback is big for the Illini. His running ability mixed in with a cannon arm is a recipe for an explosive offense that can put up points. Illinois needs more points considering they scored 15.4 points per game last season and this ranked No. 125 out of 130 teams.

One of the weapons for Bush looks to be Mike Dudek as well. He has the most experience on the team at wide receiver and it is being reported that Dudek is being used a lot. His usage is going to be huge with completing passes and getting in rhythm on offense. The team goes as Dudek goes.

I see many tweets talking about touchdown passes on day one as well. Bush threw a 70-yard touchdown strike. He also threw a 50-yard and 60-yard completion when he was out on the field as well. His ability to get the ball down the field is intriguing.

MJ Rivers hit Carlos Sandy for a 92-yard touchdown. I think there is a chance Rivers ends up starting some games this season. He is electric.

Projected floor and ceiling for the Illini recruits in year one. dark. Next

I also like the running back possibilities. I think Mike Epstein, Kenyon Sims, Ra’Von Bonner, Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown could form one great backfield. There are plenty of options here and Illinois should be able to find a nice mix throughout the season.

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