Writing Illini
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: Tanner Lee
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 29: Tanner Lee /

Defensive Tackle

Starter – Jamal Milan (3-star, #898 overall)

Jamal Milan is one of the most experienced players on the football team right now. He has been a staple in this defense since Lovie Smith took over and will continue being a presence as long as he stays healthy.

Last season, Milan played in a total of 10 games with six starts. He did miss the final two games with an injury, though. It was reported yesterday that Milan also went down in the spring game with an injury as well. There hasn’t been a status update yet. If he is healthy, Milan will, likely, start in the center of the defensive line.

Backup – Tymir Oliver (3-star, #1872 overall)

Another senior on this defensive line, like Milan, is Tymir Oliver. He has given everything to this program and was a big player for the Illini in the last two years. I think he will continue being a huge part of this team in 2019.

Oliver has been a big-time contributor for this program. He has started 22 out of the 24 possible games for the team in the last two seasons. I was thinking about putting him as the starter here, but when the season rolls around, I would bet he is the primary backup.

Backup – Lere Oladipo (3-star, #811 overall)

I can’t stress to you enough how much quality depth means to this Illinois defensive line. Illinois has players behind the starters who can come in and not miss a beat. Lere Oladipo is one of those guys.

Oladpio received some valuable playing time during his redshirt freshman campaign last season. He saw action in four contests with one start at defensive tackle. I think he will see snaps this year as well and should be a solid contributor on the team.

Backup – Deon Pate (3-star, #1596 overall)

Another depth piece for the Illini is Deon Pate. This kid, much like Oladipo, received some action as a redshirt freshman last season.

Pate was able to play in eight games with one start for the Illini in 2018. I look for him to play some snaps at either defensive tackle position. He will be a big player down the road for this program.

Home/Illinois Football