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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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Illinois offensive lineman Isaiah Adams signals for a touchdown after quarterback Tommy DeVito (3) scores a touchdown on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Illinois won the game, 34-10, in current Illini and former Badgers head coach Bret Bielema’s return to Madison.Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinUsat Wisconsin Vs Illinois Football 100122 1744 Ttm /

Left Guard

  • Starter: Isaiah Adams

To go along with Julian Pearl and all of the experience he brings to the table is left guard, Isaiah Adams. He joined the Illinois program in 2022 after spending time at Garden City Community College. There were a ton of teams vying for Adams’ commitment, but Illinois was able to land him. Year one was a tremendous success as well.

In 2022, Adams would earn All-Big Ten third-team honors. He also started in every game for Illinois, 12 at left guard, and the other game was at left tackle. The versatile offensive lineman should be a starter once again this season. I have Adams starting at left guard for the Illini. He made the preseason All-Big Ten second team, but don’t be surprised if he finishes 2023 as a member of the first team. This kid is extremely talented.

  • 2nd String: Jordyn Slaughter

Illinois does have some depth at left guard. I have Jordyn Slaughter as the second-string left guard for the Illini in 2023. He missed all of 2021 with an injury, but Slaughter came out in 2022 and gave Illinois some big snaps. He played in every game and even started one contest. Look for Slaughter to solidify the left guard position for Illinois this season.

  • 3rd String: Zachary Barlev

Depth gets thinner and thinner as you go down the depth chart. I have Zachary Barlev taking the third-string left guard role. He is a talented player who played on special teams in 2022. I don’t expect him to do much for the Illinois offense in 2023 besides being a depth piece. He gives the Illini some quality depth.

  • 4th String: TJ McMillen

I would doubt that Illinois uses TJ McMillen in 2023. I have him as the fourth-string left guard. McMillen is entering the Illini program as a three-star recruit who was the No. 1121 player in the class of 2023. He is going to be an important piece for the future, but I fully expect McMillen to redshirt this upcoming season.

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