Illinois Football: 5 graduate transfer options for the Illini in 2020

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 02: The Illinois Fighting Illini helmet on the field after a win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 02: The Illinois Fighting Illini helmet on the field after a win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 07: Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Devery Hamilton (74) during a college football game between the Stanford Cardinal and the USC Trojans on September 07, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 07: Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Devery Hamilton (74) during a college football game between the Stanford Cardinal and the USC Trojans on September 07, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

1. Devery Hamilton

The offensive line has been and should always be a focus for the Illinois football team. Building the front lines is the only way the offense has a chance to move the ball. That is why picking up a graduate transfer like Devery Hamilton would be big for the Illini.

Hamilton was a 6-foot-6, 290-pound offensive tackle coming out of Gilman High School and he resided in Baltimore, Maryland. He was rated as a four-star recruit who was the No. 252 player in the class of 2016 and the No. 25 offensive tackle in the nation. He was also the No. 7 player in the state of Maryland.

As a freshman, Hamilton didn’t see any action. He then played in 12 games as a sophomore. In 2018, as a junior, Hamilton started in six games as a guard and tackle. Now this senior is looking for a new home. I believe Illinois would be a great landing spot.

I have serious concerns with Illinois’ depth at tackle for 2020. The starters should be Alex Palczewski and Vederian Lowe, but there isn’t a lot of depth behind them. The depth we do have is extremely young. So, getting someone with experience who can play a lot of snaps would be optimal. I think Hamilton fits that bill.