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Illinois Football: Early look at the Illini defense for 2019

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini walks off the field and is met by athletic director Josh Whitman after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes 63-0 at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini walks off the field and is met by athletic director Josh Whitman after losing to the Iowa Hawkeyes 63-0 at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 24: A general stock view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 24, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

2018 Starter: Tymir Oliver (3-star #1872)

2019 Starter: Calvin Avery (4-star #216)

Tymir Oliver was one of the main starters at defensive tackle for the Illinois football team throughout the 2018 season. He actually ended up starting all 12 games for the Illini. He finished the season with 27 tackles and four pass breakups. There is no doubt he is an asset to this football team.

But, I see Calvin Avery taking over the starting job heading into 2019. This kid ended up playing in all 12 games for the Illini last season and entered the program as a highly rated recruit. He was a four-star recruit who was the No. 216 player in the class of 2018. I think he will develop enough in the spring and become the starting defensive tackle for the Illini.

Behind Avery, I would then put Oliver. Oliver would continue to see snaps and replace Avery when he needs a break. Having a player like him as a backup is invaluable. This kid is a great player and will enable the Illini to win games moving forward.

It is amazing how much quality depth we have at defensive tackle. We were piecing together these two positions last year and now we have some stability.

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