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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 12: Hugh Robertson #19 of the Illinois Fighting Illini punts the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 12: Hugh Robertson #19 of the Illinois Fighting Illini punts the ball during the game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium on November 12, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Punter

  • Starter: Hugh Robertson

There is no doubt that Hugh Robertson is going to be the starting punter for Illinois. He started in all 13 games last season and was good for the program. 29.5% of Robertson’s punts ended up inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Look for another big year out of Robertson in 2023.

  • 2nd String: Declan Duley

Illinois was active in the recruitment of a backup punter for the class of 2023. Declan Duley picked the Illini. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 2 punter in the 2023 class. He picked Illinois over some teams like Miami (FL) and Baylor. I expect Duley to redshirt this season to save eligibility.

Kicker

  • Starter: Caleb Griffin

The projected starting kicker for Illinois is Caleb Griffin. He was an All-Big Ten honorable mention player in 2022, and he would make nine starts for the Illini. I expect Griffin to continue to be the starter because of his strong leg. He ended up making a 52-yard field goal in our bowl game against Mississippi State.

  • 2nd String: Fabrizio Pinton

If Griffin struggles early on, Fabrizio Pinton is right there waiting in the wings. He started four games as a freshman in 2022, and he was a perfect 7-of-7. His accuracy was impressive, and it is nice to have some depth at kicker. Watch for Pinton to push Griffin for the starting job in 2023.

  • 3rd String: David Olano

Much like the punter situation, Illinois was active in landing another kicker too. David Olano picked the Illini. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 3 kicker in the class of 2023. Olano is going to redshirt in 2023 without a doubt. He is our future kicker, though. This kid has a great leg.

Long Snapper

  • Starter: Aidan Hall

Illinois seems to be pretty set at long snapper. In 2022, Aidan Hall started in all 13 games for the Illini at this position. I expect there won’t be a change this season. Having a solid long snapper is crucial in special teams efficiency.

  • 2nd String: Lane Hansen

Behind Hall is another solid long snapper. Lane Hansen entered the Illinois program in 2021 but didn’t see action. In 2022, he was the main snapper on field goals and extra points. He and Hall will be extremely important to the Illinois football team moving forward.

  • 3rd String: Alex McLaughlin/Patrick Mahoney III

Illinois has a couple of players in Alex McLaughlin and Patrick Mahoney III waiting behind the two starters at long snapper. They shouldn’t see the field too much, but it is good to have some depth at this position.

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