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Illinois football offensive lineman notches spot on preseason All-American roster

The Illinois football team is not getting a lot of love this preseason, but finally, one of our offensive lineman has some shine.

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 24, 2018; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2018; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports / Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
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Illinois football has some serious talent on the offensive line in 2024.

The season is so close to starting. We are just about a week from the first game against Eastern Illinois, and the Illini are poised to get off on the right foot.

That game on August 29 is going to be crucial in how the rest of the season goes for the Orange and Blue. If we look sluggish, that is a bad sign. But if Illinois comes out and looks on point, then it could be the foreshadowing of things to come.

Thankfully, quarterback Luke Altmyer has some help up front this season. Not only do a few offensive line pieces from the 2023 squad return, including our great center in Josh Kreutz, but Illinois was also able to add one of the best offensive tackles in the country from the transfer portal.

JC Davis was a great get for the Illini over the summer. He is an immediate starter, and now he is getting some preseason recognition as one of the best linemen in the nation.

On Wednesday, Pro Football Focus released its preseason All-American teams. Illinois didn’t crack the first two rosters, but on PFF’s third team, Davis is one of the two starting offensive tackles. This is also a team that includes multiple Big Ten players like Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart and Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery.

After a great run with New Mexico, Illinois football offensive tackle JC Davis is finally getting some shine

Throughout the offseason, I have expected to see Davis’ name mentioned more often. He hasn’t been on a lot of lists for being one of the top offensive tackles in the college game, and that has surprised me.

Davis dominated with New Mexico in 2023. PFF has Davis as the fifth-highest-rated offensive tackle in the FBS. He was also the No. 8 offensive tackle in all of college football, which includes all 454 programs throughout the country.

It makes me happy to see Davis get some shine. I can’t stress to you enough how important he is going to be to the Illinois football team in 2024. With more time in the pocket, look for Altmyer to have one of the best seasons by a quarterback in program history.

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