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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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Sep 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Washington Huskies at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Washington Huskies at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Center

  • Starter: Josh Kreutz

For me, one of the biggest question marks I have for the Illinois football offense is at the center position. After losing Alex Pihlstrom to the NFL, Illinois now needs someone who can step into the center role. I think the plan is for Josh Kreutz to be that guy.

Kreutz came into the Illinois program as a center. He was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 1030 player in the class of 2021. Kreutz saw some action in 2021 before taking a redshirt. This past season, he played every game for the Illini on special teams. He is now going to be called upon to take over at center. The thing that worries me is the fact he has zero starts at center, and Illinois has a new quarterback taking snaps. There is going to be a learning curve. Thankfully, Kreutz is a very talented player with football blood running through his veins.

  • 2nd String: Zachary Barlev

The backup center position is a question mark at this point too. Illinois will probably shift a player over from a different offensive line position if they need to replace Kreutz for any reason. I would assume that player is going to be someone like Zachary Barlev.

I have Barlev as the third-string left guard for Illinois entering 2023. He would help give the Illini some assurance that if Kreutz needs a breather, then the Illini will have a backup ready to go. I am sure there is a game plan if this happens, though. As of now, I have Barlev as the backup at center.

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