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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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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 05: Quarterback Matt Robinson #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini carries the ball as teammate Kendrick Green #53 blocks Esezi Otomewo #9 of the Minnesota Gophers during the third quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 40-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 05: Quarterback Matt Robinson #12 of the Illinois Fighting Illini carries the ball as teammate Kendrick Green #53 blocks Esezi Otomewo #9 of the Minnesota Gophers during the third quarter of the game at TCF Bank Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 40-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Left Guard

Starter: Kendrick Green

I would argue the best Illinois offensive lineman heading into the 2020 campaign is left guard, Kendrick Green. It comes as no surprise that Green should be starting once again at guard. He is one of the rocks protecting Brandon Peters and should be sensational once again.

Green, a 6-foot-4, 315-pound Peoria, Illinois native, came into the Illinois program as a defensive tackle but quickly transitioned into a great offensive guard. Starting every game as a redshirt freshman and a sophomore, Green has 25 starts at guard and even one start at center when the Illini needed him. He can do everything on the field, and I can’t wait to see him start once again in 2020.

Primary Backup: Jordyn Slaughter

Another in-state sensation Illinois has brought in the last couple of years is Jordyn Slaughter. At 6-foot-5, 305-pounds, Slaughter should be able to hold his own as a primary backup to Green at left guard.

In 2018, Slaughter took a redshirt and didn’t play a down. He was able to get in a game last season but didn’t see much playing time. Look for Slaughter to get way more involved in the Illinois football team in 2020. He is going to be extremely important as a depth piece in case of injury this season.

Backup: Thomas Cronin

Thomas Cronin took a redshirt in 2019, so he didn’t get to see action on the field. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive guard won’t see much time in 2020 either. He is more of a third-string reserve role type of player. Development will be key for Cronin moving forward.

Backup: Alex Pihlstrom

Alex Pihlstrom played tight end in 2019 but has since converted to the offensive line. I have Pihlstrom pretty deep on the depth chart at offensive guard. I am not expecting him to get snaps in 2020.

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