Illinois football has started training camp, and that means the 2022 season is right around the corner.
The Illini are entering what I would call the first full year of Bret Bielema’s run with the program. Yes, he was the head coach last season, but Bielema has his touches on this team now. This is his team to have succeed or fail.
I think success is going to come in bunches in 2022. I said it on social media and I will say it again. I think this might be the best Illinois offense I have seen on paper since the 2001 team with Kurt Kittner.
The Illini offense should be able to put up some serious yards and points this season. I have put together what I believe should be the offensive depth chart in 2022. This is FLUID, though. Things can change based on training camp.
Here is the projected Illinois football offensive depth chart for 2022.
Quarterback
Starter: Tommy DeVito
I believe the quarterback position will shake out to have Tommy DeVito be the starter heading into the 2022 campaign. DeVito picked the Illini, and I assume there was some type of agreement that he would get the nod this season.
DeVito is probably the best quarterback on the roster too. When healthy, he was able to put up 2,360 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions with Syracuse. We got to see his live arm during the spring game as well. I think he could lead us to seven or eight wins this season.
Backup: Artur Sitkowski
Artur Sitkowski isn’t too far behind DeVito in my eyes. Bret Bielema hasn’t officially named a starter yet, but I believe Sitkowski will be the second-string quarterback for the Illini in 2022.
When called upon, Sitkowski wasn’t bad for Illinois last season. He had six touchdowns and just two interceptions, but he only completed 50% of his passes. That is the number I am struggling with right now. If he can get that number to near 60%, then there is no doubt Sitkowski is the starter heading into the 2023 season.
Backup: Ryan Johnson & Donovan Leary
At the end of the day, I think Ryan Johnson will likely be the third-string quarterback for the Illinois football team. He has the most experience beyond DeVito and Sitkowski. That is a good luxury to have this deep on the depth chart.
Donovan Leary is good enough to be the third-string quarterback right now, but I believe he should take a redshirt in 2022. Leary is the future of the program, so having him take a year to learn behind some good passers would be beneficial. I think Leary then becomes the second-string quarterback as a redshirt freshman in 2023 once Johnson and DeVito depart.