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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart against UConn

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 24: Dominic Stampley #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs for a first down chased by Chris Bergin #28 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 24, 2018 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Illinois 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 24: Dominic Stampley #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs for a first down chased by Chris Bergin #28 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on November 24, 2018 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Illinois 24-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers/Tight End

Starter WR: Josh Imatorbhebhe

The new additions to the Illinois wide receivers corps were solid against Akron. Josh Imatorbhebhe saw the start and should continue being one of the top pass catchers for this team. He caught 2 passes for 34 yards.

Starter WR: Ricky Smalling

Ricky Smalling is Illinois’ top wide receiver right now and it showed against Akron. He caught 4 passes for 54 yards. Don’t be surprised if he sees the 1,000-yard receiving mark this season. Smalling will start every game for the Illini.

Starter WR: Dominic Stampley

I was surprised by Dominic Stampley getting the start against Akron last week. But Stampley played well and should be starting in week two. He caught 2 passes for 23 yards. I look for Stampley to continue putting his stamp on this team.

Starter TE: Daniel Barker

Daniel Barker made an impact for this Illinois football team in week one. He caught 1 pass for 2 yards and 1 touchdown. I look for him to start and continue being an end zone presence for the Orange and Blue.

Backup WRs: Trevon Sidney, Trenard Davis, Caleb Reams, Kyron Cumby, Edwin Carter, Carlos Sandy, Donny Navarro, Jordan Holmes, Casey Washington

The backup wide receivers for the Illini are really good. The fact we can have someone line Trevon Sidney coming off the bench is exciting. I think most of the playing time in week two will come from Sidney, Trenard Davis, Caleb Reams, Kyron Cumby and Edwin Carter. Donny Navarro is becoming a special teams beast as well.

Backup TE: Justice Williams, Griffin Palmer

Illinois made good use out of their backup tight end role. Justice Williams came in and caught 1 pass for 9 yards and 1 touchdown. He technically leads the Illini tight ends in receiving yards. Look for him to be a solid backup for the Orange and Blue this season.

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