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Projected 2023 Illinois football depth chart – offense

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Fighting Illini won the game, 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) runs for a touchdown during the second half against the Chattanooga Mocs at Memorial Stadium. The Illinois Fighting Illini won the game, 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen during the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Wide Receiver

  • Starter: Malik Elzy

This might be a controversial pick, but I think there is a legit shot that Malik Elzy takes the starting job at wide receiver for the Illini. I would imagine some people probably have Casey Washington as a starting wide receiver, but when you have a player of Elzy’s caliber and talent, you can’t have him ride the pine.

Elzy was a four-star recruit who was the No. 227 player in the class of 2023. He has already impressed some of his teammates and coaches on the field. Camp is starting, and I think that will only continue to be the case. Look for Elzy to step up and be one of the best wide receivers on the Illinois roster in 2023.

  • 2nd String: Casey Washington

I think Casey Washington is still going to get a ton of snaps even though I have Elzy starting. Washington started nine games over his career and finished last season with 31 receptions for 306 yards. He is a big-time asset to this Illinois offense, and look for Washington to be on the field a lot in 2023.

  • 3rd String: Eian Pugh

Illinois has some nice young depth at wide receiver. Eian Pugh came into the program last season and took a redshirt. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 767 player in the class of 2022. I see Pugh seeing some snaps but being utilized more in 2024 and beyond.

  • 4th String: Keion Battle

In 2021, Illinois was able to land Northern Illinois transfer Keion Battle. He didn’t play a game in 2021 but managed to get on the field against Chattanooga in 2022. Battle probably won’t see too many snaps unless it is a blowout game.

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