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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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Aug 31, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Milo Eifler (5) reacts after tackling Akron Zips wide receiver Michael Mathison (not pictured) for a loss of yards during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Milo Eifler (5) reacts after tackling Akron Zips wide receiver Michael Mathison (not pictured) for a loss of yards during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebacker

Starter: Milo Eifler

We round out the linebacker position with Mill Eifler. A great transfer snag by the Illini a couple of years ago, Eifler has been sensational for the program since joining. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker had to sit out a year but burst onto the scene as a junior in 2019.

During his 2019 campaign, Eifler started in 12 games at linebacker for the Illini. His play helped elevate the Illinois defense to new heights. He finished his junior season with 69 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery. I look for Eifler to have an even better senior year. He has NFL aspirations and could get there with a solid year for the Orange and Blue.

Primary Backup: Delano Ware

A defensive back turned linebacker, Delano Ware is doing whatever he can to help this Illinois football team win games. The 6-foot, 220-pound chameleon has played in 20 games with nine starts at defensive back in the first two years with the program. But he is now needed at linebacker, so I have Ware becoming a primary backup to Eifler in 2020. With so much playing experience, I am excited to see what Ware can do on the field.

Backup: Ryan Meed

After joining the Illinois football program as a preferred walk-on in 2019, Ryan Meed was able to see playing time in four games and took a redshirt. I don’t expect him to see much time in 2020, but Meed is a nice stash player for the future. It is nice to have some experience on the depth chart.

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