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Illinois Football: Top 3 areas for the Illini to address in the class of 2021

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini is seen before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 02: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini on the sidelines during the third quarter in the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

The 2020 campaign for the Illinois football team should be one for the ages as the Illini have a roster built to win now.

When I look at the projected depth chart for the upcoming season, I don’t see too many weaknesses. The quarterback position is solid. The skill positions look great. I love what we have on defense too. There should be a lot of wins put on the board this year.

But let’s take a look at the following year. The 2021 campaign will be a big change for the Orange and Blue as many players are departing the program. Both sides of the ball will take a hit. Big-time contributors to this team won’t be available for the Illini when 2021 rolls around.

What positions will take the biggest hit, though? In addition to the question of which positions will take the biggest hit, what is the game plan to fix these issues? How in the world are we going to fill the roster to the point of being able to continue to compete?

I think the simple answer is the class of 2021. This is going to be a huge group of players who will be the foundation for keeping this program on the winning track. We couldn’t sign a full class for 2020 because of the scholarship allotment, but 2021 has a full load of scholarships waiting in the wings. As of right now, I believe only 62 of the 85 scholarships are spoken for in 2021.

So, here are the top three areas for the Illini to address in the class of 2021.

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