The Illinois football team received some amazing news that will impact the future of the program on Wednesday.
An experienced Illinois offensive line was projected to lose not one, not two, but three offensive linemen heading into the 2021 campaign. That isn’t the case anymore, as Illini starting center Doug Kramer announced he will be returning to the program.
Kramer was a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 2013 player in the class of 2016. Coming out of Hinsdale Central High School, he didn’t have a ton of recruiting attention. Kramer picked Illinois and even stuck with his commitment despite a coaching change merely days after signing his national letter of intent.
— Doug Kramer Jr. (@illini_doug) December 23, 2020
It has been nothing but productivity for Kramer since arriving in Champaign. After redshirting in 2016, the talented linemen started eight games at center for the Illini in 2017. He was a Big Ten Network All-Freshman Team honorable mention player that season as well.
As a sophomore, Kramer continued to progress as a player. He started every game for the Illini and continued to be a stalwart for the program. In 2019, Kramer once again started every regular season game for Illinois. With five more starts during the rocky 2020 season, Kramer has now totaled 37 starts during his career. Illinois is now getting him back for one more run.
What does Kramer’s return mean for the Illini?
The return of Kramer is massive to this Illinois football program. On paper, there was a solid chance we could lose Kramer, Alex Palczewski and Vederian Lowe.
After Palczewski’s surgery a few weeks ago, he tweeted out that he would, “see you in Ireland.” Illinois is slated to start the 2021 campaign in Ireland against Nebraska. So, that means he is returning to the program.
Now we have Kramer coming back as well. The projected starting offensive line will consist of LT Palczewski (SR), LG Kendrick Green (SR), C Kramer (SR), RG Verdis Brown (JR) and the other tackle position might be up for grabs.
Illinois’ offensive line isn’t going to be a worry in 2021. That is exciting to know. Now let’s see what other pieces Bret Bielema can add in the offseason.