Illinois Football: Projected Illini offensive depth chart for 2022

Offensive Tackle

Starter: Alex Palczewski

If you want the definition of iron man on the offensive line, look no further than Alex Palczewski. He is coming into the 2022 campaign with 52 starts at various positions on the offensive line. He is looking for one more solid run with the Illini, and I think he could have that as a starting tackle.

Palczewski has been a solid Illinois offensive lineman since the first day he stepped onto the field. He did deal with some injuries a couple of years back, but that was the only thing that could slow him down. Enter the 2022 campaign, I fully expect him to be a starting offensive tackle for the Illini. Palczewski has a chance to show his talent this season and then prepare to be picked in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Backup: Julian Pearl

Illinois has some good options at tackle this season, and I believe having Julian Pearl as a second-stringer gives the Illini insane depth. Pearl is someone who could easily be starting, but he is also someone who will still see a ton of snaps at tackle throughout the year.

Pearl ended up playing in seven games with three starts at tackle in 2020. He then played in 12 games with 10 starts last season. While he is extremely talented and has good experience, I think he is best suited as a primary backup right now.

Backup: Josh Gesky & Hunter Whitenack

The third-string tackle position is probably open right now, but I would say Josh Gesky might have the inside track. He is coming off his redshirt season, so Gesky will be fighting for snaps. He will probably have the third-string spot locked up by midseason.

I think Whitenack will have a shot at some snaps, though. He was the No. 1047 player in the class of 2022, so there is talent there. Look for Whitenack to get snaps and then take a redshirt in year one. He will be a solid offensive lineman for the Illini in the near future, though.