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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart on offense for 2020

By Rees Woodcock

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Brandon Peters #18 of the Illinois Fighting Illini warms up prior to the start of the RedBox Bowl game against the California Golden Bears at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Brandon Peters #18 of the Illinois Fighting Illini warms up prior to the start of the RedBox Bowl game against the California Golden Bears at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Illinois football
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: Mike Epstein #26 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dives into the end zone to score during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Kent State 31-24. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Starter: Mike Epstein

Back and better than ever, Mike Epstein returns for his junior campaign after an injury-filled last few years. Epstein has shown tremendous promise when he is on the field, dodging defenders and plowing through the holes. But availability has been the main issue throughout his short career.

I have Epstein stepping back into his old starting role in 2020. With Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown both departed, Epstein will get a chance to show what he is made of as he leads a young Illinois running back room into the Big Ten fray. The talented veteran will have some competition, though.

Primary Backup: Chase Brown

The main competition and a player who should share many snaps with Epstein will be Chase Brown. The Western Michigan transfer came into the program last year and had three rushes for 18 yards. I see him as a primary backup to Epstein from day one.

Brown, the brother of Illinois defensive back Sydney Brown, should play quite a bit for the Illini. He does have some competition behind him, but it should be Epstein and Brown leading the way for Illinois from the start.

Backup: Reggie Love

The biggest competition I see Brown having as the primary backup role is from Reggie Lovie. As an incoming freshman from the class of 2020, Love will have his work cut out for him as he tries to climb the depth chart in Champaign.

Checking in as the No. 429 player in the class of 2020, Love has a lot of talent and could make an immediate impact on this Illinois offense. He has a solid hold on the third-string running back slot and could easily move up.

Backup: Jakari Norwood

Illinois’ running back depth continues on with Jakari Norwood as one of the backups. The talented Florida native carried the ball 15 times for 94 yards in 2019. Look for Norwood to get some snaps in 2020 but those carries should be in garbage time.

Backup: Kenyon Sims

Much like Norwood, Kenyon Sims should see some snaps in 2020 but not as a main running back. Sims had 14 carries for 52 yards to go along with his 2 catches for 7 yards in 2019. He will be used sparingly moving forward.

Backup: Nick Fedanzo

Coming off his redshirt year, freshman Nick Fedanzo will be down on the depth chart to start the season. The 6-foot in-state product will have his chance to shine in a year or two, but he will have to wait his turn in the backfield.

Backup: Conner Lillig

A running back who was buried on the depth chart in 2019, Conner Lillig probably won’t see too much time in 2020. He did carry the ball 2 times for 8 yards. Don’t expect to see much out of him this year.

Backup: Matt Bobak

Matt Bobak entered the Illinois program this year as a walk-on. He won’t see much time, if any, and could end up taking a redshirt in 2020.

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