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Illinois Football: 5 Illini freshmen who will make the biggest impact

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 13: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on top of a dryer on the sidelines during 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)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 13: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on top of a dryer on the sidelines during 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) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. Keith Randolph – RS Freshman – Defensive End

The final player I want to mention form the most impactful freshman for the 2020 campaign if Keith Randolph. Illinois has a ton of talent, and Randolph is included in that statement.

Randolph was a huge pick up for Illinois last year. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 673 player in the class of 2019 coming out of Belleville West High School in Illinois. The Illini had a tough fight to land the talented defensive end, but they were able to pull in the difference-maker.

Illinois was able to use Randolph in limited action during his true freshman season. He played in four games and had seven tackles for the Orange and Blue. After the fourth game, Illinois was able to redshirt him and save his year of eligibility.

Randolph will now enter his redshirt freshman season as someone who should compete for a starting defensive end job. I don’t believe he will start at defensive end, but he will see a ton of snaps for the Illini on the line.

I have Isaiah Gay and Owen Carney starting for Illinois at defensive end. These two talented players are both seniors and have a ton of experience. But I am going to guess that Randolph not only sees snaps, but he should see a couple of starts throughout the year too.

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Illinois needed depth at defensive end, and that is what they are getting with Randolph. This kid is going to be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines to deal with. I can’t wait to see what he can do on the football field.

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