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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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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 06: Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Jake Hansen (35) during the College Football Game between the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 6, 2018, at HighPoint.Com Stadium in Piscataway, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Linebackers

Starter: Jake Hansen

I believe the linebacker corps is similar to the wide receiver corps. The three linebackers who I think will start in certain situation seem pretty obvious. The first starting linebacker is Jake Hansen.

Hansen was looked at as a rising star in 2017. He couldn’t make it out of training camp, though. He had to sit out the year but returned in 2018. Hansen had a great campaign last year and started every game. I see him in the same role this season. He should get a start in every contest.

Backup: Shammond Cooper

Illinois’ class of 2019 is special. They had some great talent commit, and one of those players is Shammond Cooper. He should be a primary backup this season. I have him slotted right behind Hansen.

Starter: Dele Harding

A player I have moving up into a more prominent role is Dele Harding. I have him as a starting linebacker for the Illini this season. He has been with the program for a while and has great experience. Last season, he was able to play in nine games and started in two of those contests.

Harding is a player who stuck with his commitment back in 2016. He wanted to play for Lovie and the Illini. His hard work is paying off. I can’t wait to see what this kid can do on the football field.

Backup: Khalan Tolson

Illinois has a few physical beasts on the team and Khalan Tolson is one of them. The Big Ten needs to be scared of this kid. I have him as a primary backup this season but then taking over as a starter in the next two years.

Starter: Milo Eifler

Last season, Illinois was able to pull in transfer Milo Eifler. He came from Washington but had to sit out the 2018 campaign due to transfer rules. He is now eligible, and I have him starting at linebacker.

Eifler didn’t get a lot of playing time with Washington, but this kid was a top recruit and is someone who is hungry. He is going to be a great option for the Illini this season.

Backup: Delano Ware

Delano Ware came into the Illinois program and played a lot during his true freshman season last year. He was a defensive back, though. He played safety and nickel, and he ended up starting in eight games. I look for Ware to transition nicely into a linebacker role and play a lot of snaps this season.

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