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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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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 07: USC Trojans linebacker Oluwole Betiku Jr. (99) rushes Oregon State Beavers quarterback Darell Garretson (10) during the game between the Oregon State Beavers and the USC Trojans on October 07, 2017, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 07: USC Trojans linebacker Oluwole Betiku Jr. (99) rushes Oregon State Beavers quarterback Darell Garretson (10) during the game between the Oregon State Beavers and the USC Trojans on October 07, 2017, at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Starter DE: Wole Betiku

Illinois picked up three total transfers from USC, and the third player out of the bunch is Wole Betiku. He is a great defensive end transfer who should be able to help fill the void left by the unfortunate injury of Bobby Roundtree.

Betiku is a freak athlete who had surgery last season so he couldn’t play. But I have him as the starting defensive end for the Illini this season. With his athletic ability, he should be able to get to the quarterback and wreak havoc.

Backup: Lere Oladipo

A solid backup to Betiku would be Lere Oladipo. He has experience for this Illinois program. He redshirted in 2017 and then had a start last season. I think he will take another step forward in his progressions in 2019.

Starter DT: Calvin Avery

Another player I am excited to see play is Calvin Avery. I believe he is in line to start for the Illini in 2019. He worked on his body and game last season to prepare for the upcoming campaign. He is poised to have a great year.

Avery did get a chance to play in every game as a true freshman, though. He has experience and should be able to use that past experience this year. He will be feared in the Big Ten.

Backup: Jamal Woods

The depth on the defensive line is great. I have Jamal Woods backing up Avery at defensive tackle. Woods started last year in the first four games before going down with an injury. This coaching staff loves this kid, so look for a solid timeshare with Avery.

Starter DT: Tymir Oliver

Illinois has some decent experience on the defensive line. Tymir Oliver should step into the starting role once again for this program. He was able to make 10 starts as a sophomore in 2017 and then started every game last season.

I think Oliver is going to have a big year. Illinois hasn’t been good stopping the run lately, so it is time for him and the rest of the defensive tackles to step up their game.

Backup: Jamal Milan

I think Jamal Milan will see a lot of snaps this season because he is so experienced. He provides great leadership to this team and is one of the best defensive linemen we have. I think this Illinois defensive line is one of the best in the country.

Stater DE: Owen Carney Jr.

On the other side of the defensive line, I have Owen Carney Jr. as the starting defensive end. He was in Lovie Smith’s first real recruiting class and should be a big piece for this team in 2019. Carney started in eight games last season for the Illini.

I think Carney is ready to take the next step. I am not sure he will start every game this season, but I believe he will enter the year as the starter. His backups are pretty good.

Backup: Isaiah Gay

I have Isaiah Gay being a big force for this Illini defensive line as a backup to Carney. Gay is a beast who came in and made a couple of starts in 2017. Last season, he started in three games. He has experience and is ready to be a great player for this program.

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