Right tackle
Starter: Alex Palczewski (SR)
The Illinois offensive line is impressive this season. We should have some great talent upfront. We aren’t losing a lot of that talent for 2020 either. I am excited to have Alex Palczewski around for the 2020 campaign.
Palczewski has been a big-time player for the Illini since he joined the program in 2017. He started 11 games at guard year one. He then started every game last season as a true sophomore. This kid is poised to help the Illini get back to a bowl game.
Backup: Phifer Griffin (FR)
The newcomer so far in the class of 2020 is Phifer Griffin. He is a three-star recruit who is the No. 788 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 68 offensive tackle in the nation. Illinois’ depth at tackle is rough in 2020, so Griffin is likely going to be asked to play snaps right away.
Backup: Christopher Toth (FR)
Christopher Toth was a preferred walk-on for 2019. He is coming in and should provide solid depth on the offensive line. I don’t expect him to get much playing time early on, but he is there just in case of an injury.