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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart against Eastern Michigan

By Rees Woodcock

EAST HARTFORD, CT - SEPTEMBER 07: Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) reacts to a call during the game between the UConn Huskies and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 7, 2019 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST HARTFORD, CT - SEPTEMBER 07: Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) reacts to a call during the game between the UConn Huskies and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 7, 2019 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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EAST HARTFORD, CT – SEPTEMBER 07: Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) reaches over the goal line for a touchdown against UConn Huskies defensive back Diamond Harrell (3) during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the UConn Huskies played on September 07, 2019 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, CT. (Photo by Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST HARTFORD, CT – SEPTEMBER 07: Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe (9) reaches over the goal line for a touchdown against UConn Huskies defensive back Diamond Harrell (3) during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the UConn Huskies played on September 07, 2019 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, CT. (Photo by Steve Nurenberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers/Tight End

Starter WR: Josh Imatorbhebhe

Illinois brought in a lot of new talent and it is already paying off. Josh Imatorbhebhe had a great game against UConn where he caught 4 passes for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns. His presence in the end zone was huge for the Orange and Blue.

Imatorbhebhe now has 6 catches for 76 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is on pace for 36 catches for 456 yards and 12 touchdowns in this season.

Starter WR: Ricky Smalling

Ricky Smalling led the Illini wide receivers in receptions and yards once again this past Saturday. He is a great option in the flat or downfield. He finished the UConn game with 7 catches for 56 yards.

For the season, Smalling sits with 11 receptions for 110 yards but still hasn’t found the end zone. He is on pace for 66 catches for 660 yards this season.

Starter WR: Trevon Sidney

I was surprised that Trevon Sidney wasn’t the starter week one for the Illini. But, against UConn, he did get the nod and didn’t disappoint. He finished the game with 5 catches for 25 yards. I expect him to be slotted in as a starter again.

Sidney now has 7 catches for 51 yards and 1 touchdown on the season. He is now on pace for 42 catches for 306 yards and 6 touchdowns this season.

Starter TE: Daniel Barker

Daniel Barker has been one of the nicest surprises on the Illinois football team this season. He is being an impactful tight end catching the ball. It has been a while since we have seen that. Barker had 2 catches for 44 yards and 1 touchdown against UConn.

For the season, Barker now sits with 3 catches for 46 yards and 2 touchdowns. He is on pace for 18 catches for 276 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2019.

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

Backup TE: Justice Williams, Griffin Palmer

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