Writing Illini
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 12
Next
Nov 5, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Tip Reiman (89) scores a two-point conversion during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini tight end Tip Reiman (89) scores a two-point conversion during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Tight End

  • Starter: Tip Reiman

Illinois does have a decent amount of experience returning to the roster in 2023. I believe Tip Reiman will once again take the reins at the tight end position. I have him starting to open the season, as Reiman was able to start every game for the Illini in 2022.

Reiman had one of the better seasons from a tight end for Illinois in recent memory. He would finish the 2022 campaign with 19 receptions for 174 yards and a touchdown. I would expect Illinois to open up the offense a little more in the passing game and use the tight end position a little more as well. I think Reiman is going to have a good year of 20+ catches and 250+ yards. He will be our starting tight end as long as he is healthy.

  • 2nd String: Griffin Moore

While Illinois does have a talented and experienced player like Reiman returning, the depth at tight end took a hit this offseason. We lost Luke Ford and Michael Marchese, both of whom were good blockers. I think a player like Griffin Moore is going to be called upon to be a blocker on the Illinois offense. I have him in the second string for the Illini. But, honestly, the second through fourth string is probably interchangeable.

  • 3rd String: Tanner Arkin

This offseason did bring in a talented transfer in Tanner Arkin. The former Colorado State tight end wanted to find a new home for his final two years of college. In 2022, Arkin would have 14 receptions for 116 yards for the Rams. I think he is going to be a nice backup to Reiman in the receiving department. I have Arkin as a third-string tight end right now.

  • 4th String: Henry Boyer/Owen Anderson

Depth was addressed with the class of 2022, as Illinois brought in players like Henry Boyer and Owen Anderson. I have these two tight ends sharing fourth-string tight end duties. Both players took a redshirt last season, and I don’t expect much out of them in 2023 unless we are dealing with injuries.

Home/Illinois Football