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Illinois Football: Projected Illini defensive line with Oluwole Betiku Jr.

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 28: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jamal Milan (55) lines up and awaits the snap of the ball from Wisconsin Badger offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz (61) durning an college football game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 28th, 2017, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign-Urbana, IL. Wisconsin defeats Illinois 24-10. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 28: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jamal Milan (55) lines up and awaits the snap of the ball from Wisconsin Badger offensive lineman Tyler Biadasz (61) durning an college football game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 28th, 2017, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign-Urbana, IL. Wisconsin defeats Illinois 24-10. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Illinois Football
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 04: An Illinois football helmet sits on the field before the start of the Big Ten Conference game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 4, 2017, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Tackle

Starter – Calvin Avery (4-star, #216 overall)

There have been some big gets when it comes to recruiting for this Illinois coaching staff. One of those big gets was in the class of 2018 when the Illini were able to snag defensive tackle, Calvin Avery.

Avery was a four-star, top 300, player coming out of high school. He spent his freshman season with the Illini playing in all 12 games but didn’t have a start. I think there is a legit shot he makes the jump this season into the starting job. This kid has a lot of talent, and I can’t wait to see it on the field.

Backup – Jamal Woods (3-star, #2083 overall)

The depth at defensive tackle is exciting. Getting Jamal Woods back healthy adds to the great depth on the defensive line. He is back for this program, and I have slotted him as a primary back up to Avery.

Woods wasn’t a highly rated recruit coming out of high school, but this didn’t stop the Illinois coaching staff from seeing great potential. He made the Big Ten All-Freshman Team honorable mention list in 2017 and, last season, he started the first four games before going down with a season-ending injury. I think Woods comes back strong and is a big-time help to this Illini defensive line.

Backup – Kenyon Jackson (3-star, #1219 overall)

I always like experience to backup up the starters for the Illini, and that is what you get with Kenyon Jackson. This kid has been with the Illinois program since 2016 and has built up a ton of experience over the years.

Jackson should come in and be a backup for the Illini this season. I see him getting snaps and giving rest to the other defensive tackles. He ended up playing in nine games last year, and this experience will help the team.

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