Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart against Nebraska
Wide Receivers/Tight End
Starter WR: Josh Imatorbhebhe
The award for biggest offseason addition to the team easily goes to Josh Imatorbhebhe. He has been the big wide receiver target every Illini fan was hoping for. I would say Imatorbhebhe is the main option for Peters when he has to get a reception because of his size and strength.
Imatorbhebhe now has 10 receptions for 167 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season. Look for him to continue being the main staple in this Illinois offense for the rest of this season and into 2020.
Starter WR: Ricky Smalling
Ricky Smalling has been a big-time presence in this Illinois offense and continues to do great things. He is more of a possession wide receiver right now but is a great option if we need a first down.
Smalling now sits with 16 receptions for 159 yards and 1 touchdown on the season. He is going to continue being a big-time option for the Illini moving forward.
Starter WR: Trevon Sidney
Another great wide receiver who will be starting for the Illini is Trevon Sidney. He is a player with solid hands and can move the chains when we need to.
Through three games this season, Sidney has 10 receptions for 73 yards and 1 touchdown. He has proved to be a great security blanket for Peters when he needs to get the ball out quickly.
Starter TE: Daniel Barker
The emergence of Daniel Barker at tight end this season has been great for Illinois. He has been a big target for Peters and should continue being the starting tight end the rest of 2019.
Barker has 7 catches for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns this season. I can’t wait to see how he finishes out the year and how well he works with Luke Ford heading into 2020.