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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; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights running back Bentavious Thompson (24) runs between South Carolina State Bulldogs defensive lineman Roderick Perry (91) and linebacker Cornelius Walker (46) during the second half at Spectrum Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 8, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights running back Bentavious Thompson (24) runs between South Carolina State Bulldogs defensive lineman Roderick Perry (91) and linebacker Cornelius Walker (46) during the second half at Spectrum Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Roderick Perry

I would argue the biggest offseason addition to the Illinois football team was Roderick Perry. A 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle, Perry enters the Illini program with some serious experience at the FCS level.

In the three seasons Perry spent with South Carolina State, he was pretty dominant. In his final season with the program, Perry put up 34 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He was also a preseason FCS All-American entering his senior year before deciding to transfer. There is no doubt in my mind that he will start for the Illini and be great. He could be a first-round NFL Draft pick in 2021 as well.

Primary Backup: Calvin Avery

The time will come for Calvin Avery. The highly-touted defensive tackle coming out of Texas will get his chance to shine as a starter, but it won’t be this season most likely. Avery should have a chance to see a ton of snaps, though. He has played in 24 games the first two seasons in Champaign, so the experience is there. Illinois just has a lot of depth in 2020 at defensive tackle.

Backup: Moses Okpala

There is so much talent at defensive tackle this season. Moses Okpala adds to that tremendous depth. A 6-foot-7, 295-pound beast, Okpala should be a nice depth piece as a redshirt freshman. Look for him to get snaps but it should be more of a learning season for the talented big man.

Backup: Jer’Zhan Newton

Coming in as a three-star in high school, Jer’Zhan Newton should be able to see a few snaps and get up to speed with the college game. He will have a chance to play sparingly. This season is about development for the young Florida native.

Backup: Tre’von Riggins

Rounding out the backups at defensive tackle, I have Tre’Von Riggins. Another three-star coming out of high school, Riggins should be on the same path as Netwon. These two will continue to develop and be solid depth pieces for the program this season.

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