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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart on defense for 2021

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr. (99) runs on to the field at the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr. (99) runs on to the field at the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois football
COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 18: Dwayne Haskins #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes attempts to run the ball past Jamal Woods #91 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the game on November 18, 2017 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Illinois 52-14. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

The Illinois football team is less than two weeks away from starting their 2021 campaign.

Nebraska is the first team to come to Memorial Stadium this season. The Illini defense needs to be ready to take on a dynamic quarterback in Adrian Martinez. But can the new look Illinois defense under Bret Bielema and his coaching staff stop the talented Cornhuskers program?

Here is the projected Illinois football depth chart on defense for 2021.

Defensive End

Starter: Jamal Woods

I have Jamal Woods starting at one of the two defensive end spots for the Illinois football program in 2021. Despite Woods suiting up at defensive tackle the last few seasons, he would be best as one of the starting options on the Illini defensive line.

Woods is in his senior year and has double-digit starts under his belt. Since Illinois is most likely going with a 3-4 defense, having a defensive run stopper in Woods in the front three will be important. Woods has dealt with injuries in the past so, thankfully, Illinois has some okay depth on the defensive line.

Backup: Keith Randolph Jr.

Behind Woods and in a timeshare with the senior, I have Keith Randolph Jr. He is someone who has a ton of potential with the program and is only a redshirt freshman. Being in a timeshare with Woods will help Randolph’s game tremendously.

Over the past two seasons, Randolph has seen some playing time. He hasn’t made a start yet, but he has seen action in nine total games. Look for Randolph to have a productive year and then become the starter in 2022.

Backup: Sed McConnell

Illinois’ third-string through the entire defensive depth chart is going to be extremely young. I have the third-string at defensive end going to freshman, Sed McConnell. He is coming into the program as a three-star recruit. I just wanted development out of McConnell this season. He shouldn’t see much time on the field.

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