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Illinois Football: Projected Illini offensive depth chart entering training camp

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 06: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs in for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 06: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs in for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Richie Petitbon #72 of the Alabama Crimson Tide guards during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Richie Petitbon #72 of the Alabama Crimson Tide guards during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

Left Tackle: Richie Petitbon

While the offensive line lost some talent to the NFL, they also received some in the form of Richie Petitbon. He is going to come in as an experienced tackle and start for the Illini day one. I have him slotted in as the starting left tackle for this program.

Backup: Vederian Lowe

Illinois has some good experience on the offensive line this season. Vederian Lowe is normally a starter, but I have him backing up Petitbon this season. He started all 12 games last year at left tackle. He should see snaps this year too.

Left Guard: Kendrick Green

Kendrick Green is an incredible player for this Illinois program. This kid came into the program as a defensive tackle but flipped over to offensive guard last season. He ended up starting every game as a redshirt freshman and was one of the best offensive linemen we had. I think he is going to be sensational as a starter this season as well.

Backup: Jake Cerny

It is tough to peg who will be the backup to Green. This is an area where we don’t have a ton of depth. I slotted Jake Cerny in this role. He has mainly played tackle over the years, but he would be a good option as a backup guard for the Illini in 2019.

Center: Doug Kramer

The main man in the middle is Doug Kramer. He started every game last season at center and eight games during his redshirt freshman campaign. Kramer enters his junior year as an experienced center who will be a leader on this team. He will start at center once again.

Backup: Jake Stover

The backup center last season was Jake Stover. I have him taking this position once again. He should be a solid backup option if ever needed.

Right Guard: Verdis Brown

Right guard is another position that I am having trouble with. I am not sure who is going to start here, but Verdis Brown switched back over from defensive tackle to offensive line this spring. So, I have him slotted at right guard. Brown was a highly rated recruit who took a redshirt last season. He should be able to step into a starting role in 2019.

Backup: Jordyn Slaughter

Another player who redshirted in 2018 was Jordyn Slaughter. This kid is going to be a contender for a starting job. He was a top 1000 recruit in his class and should see a ton of snaps in 2019. He has the talent to get a few starts too.

Right Tackle: Alex Palczewski

Alex Palczewski has been a solid starter for the Illinois football team since he stepped into the program in 2017. He started 11 games at guard his freshman season and all 12 games at tackle in 2018. I think he starts at right tackle this season. He is one of the strong points on this offensive line.

Next. 5 sleeper players for the Illini in 2019. dark

Backup: Kievan Myers

I am excited to see what Kievan Myers can bring to the Illinois offensive line. This kid came into the program and worked his butt off to get into playing shape. He has earned a lot of snaps. Don’t be surprised if he sees playing time early.

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