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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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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – APRIL 14: Brian Hightower #7 makes a one handed catch for a touchdown behind Jhavonte Dean #6 of the Miami Hurricanes on April 14, 2017 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver #2

Starter: Brian Hightower

A transfer that rivals last year’s addition of Josh Imatorbhebhe, Brian Hightower enters the Illinois football program with something to prove. A former big-time Miami (FL) commit, Hightower caught 8 passes for 88 yards as a sophomore. He looked for a new home and committed to Illinois.

After it was announced Hightower would be eligible immediately, he moved to the head of the depth chart as the starting No. 2 wide receiver for the Illini. Hightower’s playmaking abilities will be on display early as he will likely be the beneficiary of Imatorbhebhe getting the defensive focus. Illini fans need to keep an eye on this kid.

Primary Backup: Casey Washington

Illinois has an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position. When I have Casey Washington not starting but being a primary backup, you know things are going well in Champaign. That is the case in 2020.

Washington could easily be starting for the Illini as he caught 11 passes for 132 yards as a true freshman in 2019. He was great for Illinois when he saw the field and stepped up in huge situations. Look for Washington to share some time with Hightower and the No. 3 wide receiver spot throughout the 2020 season.

Backup: Khmari Thompson

Illinois also brought in 6-foot-2, 190-pound Khamri Thompson this year from the transfer market. A Missouri wide receiver in 2019, Thompson looked for a new home and ended up with the Illini.

Thompson will be able to play right away after he received immediate eligibility from the NCAA. I don’t expect him to make a huge impact in 2020, but he should provide solid depth. Thompson is more of a future starter than an immediate impact player.

Backup: Carlos Sandy

The depth continues to be strong at the No. 2 wide receiver spot as you can find Carlos Sandy on the depth chart. Sandy, a 5-foot-9, 180-pound sophomore, didn’t see much playing time on offense in 2019. He ended his freshman campaign with 1 catch for 3 yards. I don’t see that changing in 2020 as the Illini have brought in more depth.

Backup: Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound walk-on, is entering his sophomore season with the program after missing the entire 2019 campaign due to injury. Don’t expect to see Thomas on the field this season besides in garbage time.

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