Illinois Football: Illini improving in many areas on the field

Illinois football training camp is close to coming to an end and there are a few things that are to note so far.

While there were some questions throughout about who the starting quarterback will be come game one, I think it is clear that AJ Bush will be taking snaps behind center with the first string. From what I have seen and read, he has progressed nicely with the offense. He picked up the playbook well, and he has an ability at the quarterback position we haven’t had in a while.

Bush’s passing ability is still in question, slightly, but with his athletic ability, he will be able to move around the in the pocket and get loose when the offensive line breaks down. Over the last several years, Illinois hasn’t had a quarterback who could do that. They have had relatively immobile passers. Now, the Illini have a passer who can scramble. The offense is surely going to be exciting.

With that being said, it also seems like the offensive line is doing some good things as well. While there were times the defensive line had their way with them, the offensive line managed to protect Bush on a consistent basis, mainly toward the end of training camp. Having a solid, consistent, offensive line depth chart is extremely important to an Illinois team that needs to win some ball games in 2018.

One more note on the offensive side of the ball. Bush is going to have some extremely talented pass catchers to throw the ball to this season. I think this is arguably the best wide receiver corps Illinois has put out on the field in the last 20 years. I am excited to see what they can do in this offense. They will make the quarterback look better.

Let’s hop over to the defensive side of the ball. How can you not be excited about the linebackers for the Illini? Del’Shawn Phillips and Jake Hansen have both had good training camps. I believe they will make one amazing duo in the middle of that Illinois defense. With Hardy Nickerson as their defensive coordinator, I have no doubts they will both continue to improve and eventually become NFL Draft picks.

At times this training camp, there were some worries about the defensive line for the Illini. But, I think those worries can be laid to rest. Illinois’ defensive tackles are the deepest I have seen in a long time. I have a hard time seeing running backs having room up the middle in 2018. The defensive ends for the Illini have also done some good things. They are still young, though, so there will be some growing pains this season.

Illinois has looked good so far this offseason. They are getting better and staying healthy. Having Hansen back on the field is a huge bonus for the Illini. You need to be excited for this upcoming season. The Illini are about to shock the world.