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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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CHAMPAIGN, IL. – SEPTEMBER 21: Illinois football coach Lovie Smith watches his team play during a Big Ten Conference football game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 21, 2019, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tight End

Starter: Luke Ford

The man, the myth, the legend, he is finally here. Luke Ford will get his chance to play for the Illinois football team. I have him easily as the projected starter for the Orange and Blue as he has impressed the masses during training camp.

Ford, once one of the best players in the class of 2018 and arguably the best tight end in the nation, had to sit out last year due to NCAA transfer rules. But he is now eligible to play for the Illini and will be sensational. Having a target like Ford will make Brandon Peters’ life so much easier. I can’t wait to see the two connect over and over again. His 6-foot-6, 248-pound frame will be extremely tough to handle.

Primary Backup: Daniel Imatorbhebhe

Illinois is getting more help at tight end with the addition of Daniel Imatorbhebhe. A transfer from USC, Imatorbhebhe should be able to come in and contribute right away. He has the size at 6-foot-3, 240-pounds to be a nightmare for opposing teams.

I have Imatorbhebhe as the primary backup to Ford at tight end. He will probably end up sharing time with Daniel Barker, but either tight end lining up alongside Ford will be dangerous tandem. Illinois has some power on offense.

Backup: Daniel Barker

The previously mentioned Daniel Barker is the third tight end on the depth chart. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Barker had 18 receptions for 273 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2019. He would have been a solid starter, but there has been so much talent come into the program. You will see Barker out there on the field a lot despite his third-string designation.

Backup: Griffin Moore

Griffin Moore, coming off a redshirt season as a freshman, should come in and see very few snaps. He is more of a reserve player who gets garbage time players. Look for him to be the fourth option at tight end.

Backup: Tip Reiman

Illinois was able to land Tip Reiman from the class of 2020. Building that tight end depth is important, but Reiman will probably take a redshirt this year. He won’t likely see a snap in 2020.

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