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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart on defense for 2020

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini run out of the tunnel before the game against the California Golden Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini run out of the tunnel before the game against the California Golden Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 8, 2018; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Isaiah Gay (92) sacks Western Illinois Leathernecks quarterback Sean McGuire (18) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2018; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Isaiah Gay (92) sacks Western Illinois Leathernecks quarterback Sean McGuire (18) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End

Starter: Isaiah Gay

One of the strengths of the defensive line is going to be the defensive end positions. Checking in at 6-foot-3, 240-pounds, Isaiah Gay should be able to show the world he is one of the best defensive ends in the Big Ten, if not the country.

A main staple throughout the past three seasons, Gay is once again in his usual starting defensive end spot. He has played in a total of 32 games over his first three seasons with 10 starts on the end of the line. This experience is invaluable and will be used in 2020 to help hunt down quarterbacks and drag down ball carriers.

Primary Backup: Seth Coleman

There is some exciting youth on the Illinois defensive line too. One of the prized recruits from the class of 2019 was defensive end, Seth Coleman. A 6-foot-5, 230-pound monster who hails from Florida, Coleman should be able to step into a primary backup role after taking a redshirt last season.

Backup: Cooper Davis

Another Florida product at defensive end for the Illini is Cooper Davis. A member of the class of 2020, Davis should be able to come into the Illinois program and see snaps throughout the year. Normally, I would say Davis would take a redshirt, but due to the NCAA passing the rule that fall athletes won’t get charged a year of eligibility, I could see Davis playing in a few games this year to get more acclimated to the college game.

Backup: Bryce Barnes

The final depth piece at this defensive end position is Bryce Barnes. A 6-foot-2, 270-pound in-state product, Barnes did have a chance to play in every game for the Illini last season, but it was mainly on special teams. I would have a hard time seeing Barnes seeing the field for the Illini on defense in 2020.

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