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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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CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 15: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jartavius Martin (21) intercepts a pass inteded for South Florida Bulls tight end Mitchell Wilcox (89) in action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Florida Bulls on September 15, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 15: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Jartavius Martin (21) intercepts a pass inteded for South Florida Bulls tight end Mitchell Wilcox (89) in action during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the South Florida Bulls on September 15, 2018 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defensive Backs

Starter CB: Quan Martin

The defensive backfield is coming back this season with solid experience. Lovie Smith and the coaching staff did a trial by fire last season and we have an improved secondary because of that. I have Quan Martin taking the nod at cornerback this season.

Martin was able to come in and start eight games for the Illini in 2018. That experience will help him this season. He should be a big-time impact player for this program.

Backup: Kerby Joseph

Kerby Joseph is an experienced backup cornerback for the Illini. He didn’t get a ton of time last season, but he managed to play in 10 games for the program. Hopefully, we can ween Joseph into playing time and work his confidence up.

Starter S: Tony Adams

I am excited to see what Tony Adams can do this season. On this depth chart, he is slotted in as one of the two safeties on the team. The progression Adams has shown is exciting.

Last season, Adams ended up switching over to the safety role after being primarily a cornerback. He started in five games at safety and managed to show some great improvement. Look for him to shut down a lot of offenses this season.

Backup: Kendall Smith

The backup position to Adams is a tough one to figure out. I am slotting Kendall Smith in this role for the Akron game. Smith has switched from offensive to defense since joining the Illini. I think he has a chance to make an impact at safety this season.

Starter S: Stanley Green

The other starting safety for the first game of the season is likely to be Stanley Green. I am glad Green stuck with this program because he is going to be an important piece to the puzzle for 2019.

Green has been a solid safety for the Illini since he came into the program. He started in seven games each season with the program. I expect him to be a main starter for the majority of this year as well.

Backup: Michael Marchese

Another experienced backup on the team is Michael Marchese. I have him as the backup to Green week one. He played in 11 games last season and even started in three contests. It is nice to have someone with experience on the second-string.

Starter CB: Nate Hobbs

The other cornerback role I have going to Nate Hobbs. He has been a main defensive back for the Illini since he joined the program back in 2017.

Hobbs made 10 starts as a true freshman in 2017. He then started in seven games last year. His experience should carry over into the 2019 campaign. Illinois has some shutdown defensive backs this season.

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Backup: Nick Walker

I am going to slot Nick Walker as the backup to Hobbs. Walker doesn’t have a ton of experience but could come in and fill in when needed. He is a player I want to see on the field when the Illini are blowing teams out. Walker needs some more experience.

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