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Illinois Football: 3 Illini players who could have a breakout 2020 season

By Jalen Wilson

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - OCTOBER 26: Tony Adams #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs with the football after his interception in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 26, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - OCTOBER 26: Tony Adams #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs with the football after his interception in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 26, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 13: Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Tony Adams (6) jogs on to the field for the start of the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Tony Adams

Tony Adams is a player who was important to the Illini success this past season. He played both safety and cornerback in 2019. Last year seemed like a breakout season for Adams, but I believe he will be even better in 2020.

In the 2019 campaign, Adams had 39 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 defensive touchdown. These numbers may not be the most attractive, but he was better than what the stats show last season.

At times, Adams did struggle last year. His struggles came mostly at the safety position. After the coaching staff moved him to cornerback, he played the best football of his career.

Adams had three tackles and one interception against Wisconsin. That one interception helped put Illinois in position to knock off the No. 6 team in the nation. Against Purdue, Adams had 4 tackles,  1 interception and 1 touchdown. Both of these games were after he was moved back to cornerback.

Adams did suffer an injury at the end of the season. If he is healthy all of next season, he could have a big year. I think he will have around 45 tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 pass break-ups. I expect this because I think he will stay at the cornerback position. That is where he shines the most.

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