Writing Illini
Fansided

5 key Illinois football players to see a massive improvement in 2024

It could be a pretty good season for the Illinois football team, but these key players need to see a massive improvement to help win games

By Rees Woodcock

Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Kaden Feagin (3) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next

Zy Crisler – Guard

What the Illinois football coaching staff did this offseason to help the offensive line is quite impressive. We brought in some key pieces to fill the voids left by departing players.

I think Illinois is also going to get a boost from year-over-year development. The offensive lineman I am looking at for the biggest jump from 2023 is Zy Crisler.

Crisler has started 24 games for the Illini the past two seasons after transferring in from the junior college ranks. In both years, he made the All-Big Ten honorable mention as well.

I have been frustrated with Crisler at times, though. He is solid in the run-blocking schemes, as he is decently quick at pulling and can open holes, but his pass-blocking hasn’t been great.

Crisler played 695 snaps in 2023, and he finished with an overall grade of 57.3, which ranked No. 416 out of 628 guards. The area that dragged him down was his pass blocking, which received a grade of 44.9.

There are multiple reasons why I think we can see an improvement out of Crisler this season. I believe Illinois has more depth on the offensive line after adding three transfer portal blockers to the mix. Luke Altmyer has a year in the system and another offseason. He is going to be able to handle the offense better and get the ball out quicker.

I also believe with Kaden Feagin as our starting running back, the pass-blocking help will be much better. This will help solidify the offensive line.

Look for Crisler to make the jump this season. He has been on the All-Big Ten honorable mention the past two seasons, but don’t be shocked if he makes one of the teams in 2024.

Home/Illinois Football