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
9 of 12
Next
Jul 26, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 26, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Isaiah Williams speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /

Wide Receiver

  • Starter: Isaiah Williams

Hands down, this is the best Illinois wide receiver corps I have seen since the Arrelious Benn days. One of the starting wide receivers for the Illini is Isaiah Williams. He should be playing in the slot and will dominate opposing defenses.

Last season, Williams finished with 82 receptions for 715 yards and five touchdowns. He was electric for the Illinois offense. Whenever we needed a big play, Williams would come through. He earned All-Big Ten first team as a wide receiver and third team as a punt returner.  Williams now has another big-time quarterback to throw him the ball, so I expect at least the same numbers as last season.

  • 2nd String: Hank Beatty

Don’t sleep on Hank Beatty in 2023. He was a true freshman last season and played in 12 games. In the little he did play, Beatty showed flashes of potential. I think he fights for the second-string job this season, but it won’t be easy. There are some talented players behind him looking to make a name.

  • 3rd String: Shawn Miller

I had a lot of expectations for Shawn Miller last season, but he went down with an injury in training camp and never played a snap. He now enters the 2023 campaign with a lot of potential. I have him as a third-string wide receiver right now, but Miller could easily work his way up the depth chart.

  • 4th String: Collin Dixon

I am not sure we are going to see too much of Collin Dixon in 2023. He is a three-star recruit who was the No. 823 player in the class of 2023. Illinois snagging Dixon was huge for the future, but I think he takes a redshirt and then we unleash him on the Big Ten in 2024. This kid is going to be special.

Home/Illinois Football