Left guard
Starter: Kendrick Green (JR)
The most improved player and arguably one of the best linemen on either side of the ball Illinois had last season was Kendrick Green. As a redshirt freshman, he started all 12 games at left guard. I expect him to do the same in 2019 and, when 2020 rolls around, I have him as the starting left guard during that year as well.
Backup: Julian Pearl (SO)
A surprise adjustment this offseason was the move of Julian Pearl from defensive end to offensive tackle. Pearl didn’t play much his freshman season only suiting up in two games and then taking a redshirt. I expect him to make an impact and develop in 2019. He will then be a solid backup for the Illini in 2020. I need to see development this upcoming season, though.
Backup: Evan Kirts (FR)
One of the two offensive linemen to commit to the class of 2019 was Evan Kirts. The fact we didn’t have more offensive linemen join the team worries me, but Kirts should come in and provide depth. I see him redshirting in 2019 and then being a redshirt freshman in 2020. He was a three-star offensive tackle coming out of Brother Rice High School.