Illinois Football: Early look at the Illini defense for 2019

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: Sydney Brown #30 of the Illinois Fighting Illini fights against Kent State Golden Flashes blockers during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Nickelback

2018 Starter: Sydney Brown (3-star #1598)

2019 Starter: Sydney Brown (3-star #1598)

Illinois plays a lot of nickel defense and that means the Illini will need to have a solid nickelback this season. Sydney Brown ended up playing some of last season at the nickelback position. He played in 10 games with seven starts at safety and three starts at the nickel position.

I think Brown should be slotted back in at the nickel position entering the 2019 campaign. He is a fun player to watch because he can zip around the field and lay a hit on a ball carrier. He ended last season with 55 tackles and an interception. This kid has some talent and should be at the nickel next season.

I have senior Cameron Watkins as the backup to Brown. There is some depth at the nickel spot for the Illini because Watkins has a ton of experience and should provide great help to this defense when Brown gets tired.

Watkins has 16 starts for the Illini during his career. He has also played in a total of 31 games. His experience is invaluable to the Illinois secondary. Watch for Watkins to make an impact and see a decent amount of snaps behind Brown in 2019.

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