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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: UConn Huskies running back Kevin Mensah is stopped for no gain by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Nate Hobbs (8) 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: UConn Huskies running back Kevin Mensah is stopped for no gain by Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Nate Hobbs (8) 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) /

Defensive Backs

Starter CB: Quan Martin

The best cornerback we have on the team right now is Quan Martin. He has been a solid force since joining the program last season. Martin continues to impress on the field and should start every game this season.

Martin finished the UConn game with three tackles. Look for him to be dangerous in the secondary and even pick off a pass from Eastern Michigan.

Starter S: Michael Marchese

I am worried that Tony Adams isn’t going to suit up for the Illini this Saturday. Lovie says he hopes Adams, Corbin and Sydney Brown will all be back this week, but I am going to put out a depth chart looking at the worst-case scenario.

I have Michael Marchese starting for the Illini at safety. He actually had a solid game against UConn with 4 tackles and 1 interception. I would love if Adams could get healthy, but Marchese would be the next man up.

Starter S: Stanley Green

Stanley Green started last week because he was the best option since Sydney Brown couldn’t go. If Brown is healthy this week, I would slot him in this position. But, since his status is unknown, I have Green going again.

Green managed to have three tackles last weekend against UConn. He is going to need to step up this weekend against Eastern Michigan.

Next. 3 observations from the Illini win over UConn. dark

Starter CB: Nate Hobbs

I am pretty comfortable with the Illinois cornerbacks. Just imagine if we had Marquez Beason still healthy. But we don’t and will still be okay. Nate Hobbs is the other starter cornerback for the Illini.

Hobbs finished the UConn game with a team-leading 8 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. He has been a great player for this program and will continue dominating his side of the field.

Backup: Devon Witherspoon, Christian Bobak, Nick Walker

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