Wide Receiver
No. 1 Starter: Ricky Smalling
The best wide receiver we had on the team last season and a good in-state player is Ricky Smalling. He had his issues at times, but I still see him as the No. 1 wide receiver on the team. Smalling finished the 2018 campaign with 406 yards receiving and five touchdowns.
Backup: Edwin Carter
Edwin Carter is healthy again. He was cleared to practice, and I can’t wait to see what this kid can do with a full season. The small glimpse of his game last year was brilliant. I have him as a primary backup to Smalling.
No. 2 Starter: Josh Imatorbhebhe
Illinois had two big wide receiver transfers this offseason. Getting Josh Imatorbhebhe was big for the program. He is going to come in and, most likely, be the starting No. 2 wide receiver on the team. I love his size at 6-foot-2, 215-pounds as well.
Backup: Trenard Davis
The most underrated wide receiver the Illinois football team is Trenard Davis. This kid had a quiet 278 yards receiving last season. He will provide depth as a backup in 2019. I think having him as a player coming off the bench is huge for the team.
No. 3 Starter: Trevon Sidney
The No. 3 starter for the Illini is going to be Trevon Sidney. He is the other transfer at the wide receiver position. Sidney is a small but quick pass-catcher who is going to do wonders for the Illinois offense. I see him as a big-time playmaker.
Backup: Dominic Stampley
I have Dominic Stampley as a backup wide receiver in 2019 because of the depth that was brought in. I think he still receives a lot of snaps because of his talent, though. He is a good player who put up 311 yards and two touchdowns last season.