Illinois Football: Early 2021 evaluation of the Illini secondary

Evaluation

Illinois’ secondary was about average last season with how many yards they gave up. The defensive backs were able to force turnovers in the shortened season too.

I would give the Illini starters a grade of a B. This grade has a chance to be much higher, though. The development of Beason is going to be key in getting that grade to bump up to an A-.

Illinois getting a B for their starting secondary isn’t a bad grade. I gave them this grade based on four of the five starting defensive backs being returning guys who all now have experience in the secondary.

Depending on eligibility, the fifth defensive back should be Smith, who has some experience as well. At the very least, Smith has knowledge of a winning program and will bring that to Champaign. I think the grade of a B has the potential to be much higher by the end of the 2021 campaign.

For the depth in the secondary, I would give the Illini a D+. The only reason this isn’t a lower grade is the fact Illinois’ depth does have experience. I just don’t think there is enough talent in the second level of the secondary to afford an injury or a bad season by a guy.

The depth in the secondary will come with time, though. The previous coaching staff wasn’t the best at recruiting, but I believe Bielema and his coaches will really hit the ground running. They have added some nice pieces already, but it is all about layering depth at the college level. Watch how the secondary continues to build out over the next two or three recruiting classes.

Overall, when you put the starters and backups together, I would give Illinois’ secondary a grade of a C. The starters are solid, but the depth is lacking. I am not completely confident in what we have behind the first-string. Hopefully, they can prove me wrong.