Illinois Football: Projected Illini offensive depth chart entering training camp

Tight End

Starter: Daniel Barker

The tight end situation in 2020 is going to look different but, for now, I have Daniel Barker as the starter for the Illini. Barker was the leading tight end from last year’s campaign. He had nine receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. I want those numbers to increase in 2019. He is a nice big body who should see some red zone targets.

Backup: Griffin Palmer

There wasn’t a lot of depth at the tight end position last season, but Griffin Palmer should come back in 2019 and be a backup for the Illini. He played in 11 games in 2018 but most of that was on special teams. He failed to catch a ball on offense.

3rd String: Griffin Moore

A local kid who could come in and make an immediate impact is Griffin Moore. He was a top 2000 recruit in the class of 2019 and is coming in as a tight end for the Illini. Don’t be surprised if this kid moves up the depth chart and sees a few starts in 2019.

4th String: Bobby Walker

Bobby Walker is a good story. He walked on to the team and eventually earned a scholarship. He was a backup the last few seasons at tight end. He ended up in playing in 12 games in 2019 but didn’t catch a ball. He should help with depth this year.