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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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Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (1) rushes with the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jamal Woods (91) attempts to make a tackle in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Rodney Smith (1) rushes with the ball as Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jamal Woods (91) attempts to make a tackle in the second half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Jamal Woods

Illinois’ experience upfront continues with another player who has started quite a few games during his career. Jamal Woods should take the first defensive tackle position heading into the 2020 campaign. The 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive lineman has been a staple on the Illini roster for the last four years.

As a three-star coming out of high school, Woods saw action on the field for Illinois immediately. An All-Freshman Team honorable mention in year one, the sky was the limit for Woods. He has played in 24 games since entering the program with half of those being starts. The Illini are not lacking for experience upfront.

Primary Backup: Deon Pate

Despite the departure of some key transfers this year, Illinois still has quality depth at defensive tackle. The primary backup to Woods in 2020 should be Deon Pate. The 6-foot-2, 280-pound Jacksonville, Florida native has played in 17 games with one start during his career. But most of that playing time has come at defensive tackle.

Backup: Anthony Shipton

Look for Anthony Shipton to work his way up the depth chart this season. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive tackle transferred in from Cerritos College and has two years of eligibility remaining. In his final season at the junior college level, Shipton accumulated 40 tackles and 4 sacks. Having him as one of the backups gives me peace-of-mind moving forward.

Backup: Quinton McCoy

In a normal situation, I would have Quinton McCoy taking a redshirt but he doesn’t have to this season. I see McCoy getting some snaps throughout the year, but his freshman campaign is just about getting up to speed. This kid is going to be special in the future, though.

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