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Illinois Football: 5 sleeper players for the Illini in 2019

By Rees Woodcock

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini walks on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini walks on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/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) /

2. Kievan Myers

One of the strengths for the Illinois football team in 2019 is going to be the offensive line. I am excited to see what Richie Petitbon can do in his lone season with the program. We have a lot of returning starters from last year’s squad too. This is an experienced bunch.

Depth is going to be extremely important for the offensive line too. Having talented players who can see a lot of snaps and potentially a few starts is important to have as backups. I think the impact Kievan Myers could have on this Illini team in 2019 is invaluable.

Myers was a three-star recruit coming out of Bishop Dunne High School. He was ranked as the No. 1042 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 43 offensive guard in the nation. He was also the No. 146 player in the state of Texas.

Illinois decided to redshirt Myers in 2018, though. This enabled him to get more ready for the college game. It is well-documented that Myers was over 400-pounds at one time but now checks in at 6-foot-5, 325-pounds. That is a solidly built player who is ready to do some damage.

Having Myers ready to take a more active role on the team is huge. We always need depth on the offensive line. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play a lot this season and, potentially, get a few starts under his belt.

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