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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart against Akron

By Rees Woodcock

EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 24: Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Corbin (2) runs the ball 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)
EVANSTON, IL - NOVEMBER 24: Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Corbin (2) runs the ball 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) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 13: Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Vederian Lowe (79) works against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Deon Pate (98) during the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 13: Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Vederian Lowe (79) works against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Deon Pate (98) during the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

Starter LT: Vederian Lowe

As training camp rolled on, it became clearer and clearer on how the offensive line would shake out. I believe the starting left tackle for the Illini is going to be Vederian Lowe.

Lowe started seven games as a freshman and then every game last season for the Illini at left tackle. He should be the starter once again. This Illinois offensive line is stout this season.

Backup: Jordyn Slaughter

I think redshirt freshman Jordyn Slaughter could be taking over the backup role behind Lowe. I can’t be too sure about this because the depth charts haven’t been released, but it would make sense for Slaughter to be slotted here.

Starter LG: Kendrick Green

The best move Illinois could have made last season was moving Kendrick Green to the offensive line. He stepped in as a redshirt freshman and was great. He started every game for the Illini at left guard.

I see Green starting every game for the Illini once again in 2019. He is, arguably, the best offensive lineman we have on the team right now. I love his ability to pull, and his pass blocking is greatly improved.

Backup: Kurt Gavin

There isn’t a lot of playing time as a backup with Kurt Gavin. I have him filling in behind Green, but that makes me a little nervous. As a sophomore last season, Gavin only played in one game. Hopefully, Illinois can blowout a few teams early on so Gavin can get more experience.

Starter C: Doug Kramer

One of the rocks on this Illinois offensive line is Doug Kramer. He has been in the middle of the offensive line since he was a redshirt freshman back in 2017. He started eight games that season and then every game last year.

I think Illinois will have multiple offensive linemen eventually go in the NFL Draft. Kramer is one of those players. He has the talent to be an all-time great for this program.

Backup: Jake Stover

A solid backup behind Kramer is Jake Stover. He walked-on to this team back in 2017 but was a backup center last season. He has progressed nicely and, I would imagine, he takes over for Kramer when he departs for the NFL.

Starter RG: Richie Petitbon

Illinois was able to snag a few transfers in the offseason, and one of those players was Richie Petitbon. He is a graduate transfer and this is his only season with the Illini. But he should provide this program with some experience and depth.

Petitbon was a backup his entire career with Alabama. He did see action in games throughout his career. His experience and talent should help this offensive tremendously.

Backup: Verdis Brown

The Illini were a little light on the offensive line, so they ended up moving Verdis Brown back to this side of the ball. I don’t have him as a projected starter, but he should see time and be a nice depth piece this season. Once Petitbon leaves, look for Brown to take over as a redshirt sophomore.

Starter RT: Alex Palczewski

The final piece of the solid starting offensive line for the Illini is Alex Palczewski. He has been a starter for this program since he came to Illinois back in 2017. He started in 11 games his freshman season and then every game last year.

Palczewski should be a starter again this season. I have him pegged as the starting right tackle. He is a great player who should be able to seal the edges for Reggie Corbin to run around.

Backup: Julian Pearl

I have Julian Pearl as the backup right tackle for the Illini this season. I know this might seem weird, but he did get a lot of play in training camp and he is a big body. I think the Illini coaching staff will be able to do wonders with this kid on the offensive line.

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