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Projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – defense

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) reacts after Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) reacts after Saturday’s 24-3 win over the Virginia Cavaliers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Tahveon Nicholson #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illin puts the hit on Maliq Carr #6 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Tahveon Nicholson #10 of the Illinois Fighting Illin puts the hit on Maliq Carr #6 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Cornerback

  • Starter: Taz Nicholson

While Illinois did lose a lot of defensive back talent from the 2022 squad, we are returning one of the starters in Taz Nicholson. Nicholson joined the program in 2020 and by 2021, he was seeing starts. So far, Nicholson has started 12 games in his career, with 10 starts coming last season. He missed the last three games with an injury, though.

I have Nicholson as a starting cornerback for Illinois once again. He got a chance to play alongside some impressive defensive backs in 2022, and now he is the leader of this secondary. Nicholson finished 2022 with 19.0 tackles, 6.0 pass deflections, 1.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 interceptions, and 1.0 forced fumbles. I see those numbers taking a big jump this upcoming season.

  • 2nd String: Zachary Tobe

Bret Bielema has been impressed with numerous players, one of whom is Zachary Tobe. He is a freshman who is entering the Illinois program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 988 player in the class of 2023. Tobe enrolled at Illinois early, so he has been acclimated to the program already. I actually have him as the primary backup to Nicholson at cornerback to start the season. This kid has a bright future.

  • 3rd String: Jaheim Clarke

Illinois is going to have to rely on freshmen to make an impact in the secondary this season. In the third string, I have Jaheim Clarke. He is a freshman who was a three-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 1340 player in the 2023 class. I don’t think Clarke will see too many snaps this season. If things go right, he should probably take a redshirt.

  • 4th String: Nick Fedanzo

Since joining the Illinois program, Nick Fedanzo hasn’t gained too much traction. He came in as a running back but switched over to defensive back. He has only played on special teams, so I don’t expect him to see snaps in the Illinois secondary this season.

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