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Illinois Football: Projected Illini offensive depth chart for 2022

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 30, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Luke Ford (82) and teammates wait to take the field for the start of Saturday’s NCAA football game with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2021; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Luke Ford (82) and teammates wait to take the field for the start of Saturday’s NCAA football game with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 01: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen on the sidelines during the game against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Memorial Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Offensive Tackle

Starter: Isaiah Adams

I didn’t think I would be optimistic about the Illinois offensive line heading into the 2022 season, but I oddly am optimistic. I think the Illini have a strong offensive line, and it helped to snag transfers like Isaiah Adams.

I know some people have Julian Pearl as a starting tackle, but I think it should be Adams. He showed me a lot in spring practice, and with his 6-foot-5, 310-pound size, he would be the best option for the Illini out on the end of the line. I fully expect Adams to be one of the best tackles in the Big Ten this season.

Backup: Zachary Barlev

Coming off a redshirt season, freshman Zachary Barlev has a chance to shine early on in his career. To start the year, I think he should be the second-string offensive tackle.

Barlev was a three-star recruit coming out of high school, and in year one, he got some playing time with the Illini. He actually started in the Penn State victory. Barlev would play four games or less, so he got a chance to redshirt. Look for him to be a solid backup in 2022, though.

Backup: Magnus Moller & Joey Okla

I think Illinois is bringing in some talented offensive linemen from the class of 2022. The most underrated player for the Illini is Magnus Moller. He is a 6-foot-9, 300-pound monster from Denmark. There is a chance he quickly rises up the depth chart during his career.

Joey Okla has a chance to show what he is made of early on too. He was the No. 890 player in the class of 2022. I fully expect Okla to be a staple on the Illinois offensive line for years to come. For now, though, these two should be battling for third-string. I expect one, if not both, to redshirt year one.

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