Writing Illini
Fansided

Projected 2024 Illinois football defensive depth chart

While the Illinois football offense needs to score points, the Illini defense needs to prevent them. That is what I am hoping happens with the 2024 defensive unit.

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Kenenna Odeluga (39) tackles Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Xavier Trueblood (97)during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Kenenna Odeluga (39) tackles Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Xavier Trueblood (97)during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next

Safeties

Starter: Miles Scott

Illinois has one of the most experienced safeties in all of the Big Ten. Miles Scott is back for another season with the program after playing 818 snaps in 2023.

Scott was able to finish second on the team with 63 tackles. He also had three pass deflections and two interceptions, both returned for touchdowns.

There is no doubt that Scott is a starting safety on the Illinois football team in 2024. The importance of him staying healthy in 2024 can not go unstated. The Illini depth isn’t great, so we need Scott to be playing nearly every down.

Starter: Matthew Bailey

Despite seeing very little time last season, I think Matthew Bailey is still in line to start for the 2024 season.

In game one last season, Bailey went down with a season-ending injury. He was going to be a big piece to the Illinois secondary, but after a year of waiting, he should be back and ready to go.

Bailey should have a big redshirt sophomore campaign. He has experience, as he played in 13 games as a true freshman, and I think a year of waiting will get him even more motivated for a huge comeback. I think Bailey gets the starting nod for the 2024 season.

Backups

I am intrigued by the depth Illinois has at safety heading into this season. While there isn’t a lot of FBS playing experience, we do have some pieces that could step up in a big way.

Mac Resetich looked good in the limited snaps he played in 2023. I think he could find his way into some big-time plays this season. Saboor Karriem was also a big recruit who saw action in games as a true freshman in 2023. His progression should be fun to watch.

Demetrius Hill is also a name to keep in mind. After making the freshman All-American team in 2022, Hill transferred into the Illinois program. He got hurt in game one last season and missed the entire year. Hill is back and could be big for the Illini.

I think all three players could see snaps and will be part of the rotation in 2024. Illinois has a lot of potential on the depth chart.

dark. Next. Projected 2024 Illinois football offensive depth chart. Projected 2024 Illinois football offensive depth chart

Home/Illinois Football