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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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Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Nate Hobbs (8) during warm ups 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 defensive back Nate Hobbs (8) during warm ups before the game against the California Golden Bears at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornerback

Starter: Nate Hobbs

I would make an argument this is the most talented secondary Illinois has had in the last decade. Nate Hobbs is one of the stalwarts for the Illini defensive back grouping. The 6-foot, 195-pound ball hawk is back to his regular cornerback position. He is a starter heading into the 2020 campaign.

Hobbs has made an impact on the Illini from day one. He came in during the 2017 season and earned Big Ten All-Freshman Team honors. Throughout his first three years, Hobbs has played in 34 games with 30 starts under his belt. He is one of the most experienced players, let alone defensive backs, on the team. Look for Hobbs to shine in his final season.

Primary Backup: Devon Witherspoon

Unranked coming out of high school and was supposed to go the junior college route, fans didn’t have a ton of expectations for Devon Witherspoon. But he was sensational in year one for the program. Witherspoon earned the trust of the Illinois coaching staff so much, he ended up playing in every game for the program and even started in three contests. Look for Witherspoon to continue to climb the depth chart and be a primary backup to Hobbs in 2020.

Backup: Ben Schultz

The extended depth at defensive back took a hit this offseason, so I have Ben Schultz as a backup at cornerback. He shouldn’t see the field in 2020 at defensive back, but he is there in case of emergencies.

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