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Illinois Football: 5 Illini freshmen who will make the biggest impact in 2018

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: General view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet seen during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 10: General view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet seen during the game against the North Carolina Tar Heels at Memorial Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 18: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks at the scoreboard during game action between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Ohio State Buckeyes (8) on November 18, 2017 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Illinois 52-14. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

1. Kendrick Green

The future of the Illinois football offensive line is looking bright as they have found a player who could make an impact this season. Kendrick Green is the player I am referencing.

Green came out of Peoria High School in Peoria, Illinois two years ago. He was the No. 352 player in the class of 2017 and the No. 27 defensive tackle in the nation. Last season, Green redshirted to save a year of eligibility and continue improving his game.

In spring practice, the flip was made and Green became an offensive lineman. This was a move that surprised some people at the time. But, it looks like this decision is going to pay off for this Illini team that needed some more offensive line help.

Training camp was great for Green. Fans had a chance to see him perform on the field, and he did pretty well. He was good enough to be in the conversation for a starting guard job in 2018. I believe he will actually step foot on the field as one the starting guards against Kent State the first game of the season.

Green is going to be an impactful freshman this season for the Illini. He has so much talent and is one of our best offensive linemen already. He will be huge for this program.

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