“YOU ARE THE WORSE COACH I EVER MET” Star player disparaging illinois fighting illini football head coach Bret Bielema.
“YOU ARE THE WORSE COACH I EVER MET” Star player disparaging illinois fighting illini football head coach Bret Bielema.
The offensive line was having trouble if you had watched the Illini in 2023. Run blocking was our strongest suit, yet it was merely mediocre for the season. Forget about it when it comes to pass blocking.
The goal of this summer has been to alter the offensive line. Bret Bielema went out and got some big boys up front because he knew he had to, and he accomplished just that.
Jordyn Slaughter left Illinois following a career marred by injuries. He made four starts when he was a Champaign resident. After making just one start, Zachary Barlev left the Illini program via the transfer link.
There is some passable talent returning to the program from Illinois. Josh Kreutz, at center, is the cornerstone of the offensive line. He made 12 starts as a starter last season and is still improving.
In addition, Zy Crisler, Josh Gesky, Hunter Whitenack, and Brandon Henderson will all be wearing Illinois uniforms again. In 2023, they all played snaps.
After missing the previous season due to an injury, I’m interested to see what Illinois can get out of Dezmond Schuster. The previous offseason, he was a highly-regarded junior college prospect for Illinois. I believe heIn 2024, e might have a significant influence.
The addition of New Mexico’s J.C. Davis will greatly benefit the Illini. Melvin Priestly from Grambling State and Kevin Wigenton from Michigan State join him. The trio of transfer portal players strengthens an Illinois offensive line that was in need of reinforcements.
I think incoming freshman Andrew Dennis will also provide some huge snaps for Illinois. He was a highly sought-after recruit and is expected to be a mainstay on this offensive line.
Potential depth chart for the offensive line in Illinois football
C Josh Kreutz: 12 career starts, 62.9 grade, #155 PFF
In2023, Kreutz had a strong game. With a grade of 62.9 on Pro Football Focus, he made 12 starts. I have every expectation that he will keep improving and become an All-Big Ten center.by the time he leaves Champaign behind.
OG Kevin Wigenton: 67.9 grade, #121 PFF, 6 career starts
In Wigenton, Illinois was able to acquire a guard with Big Ten experience. In 2023, he was rated No. 121 among offensive linemen with a Pro Football Focus grade of 67.9. Compared to any offensive lineman from Illinois previous season, that grade was far higher.
Having made six starts, Wigenton ought to be the front-runner in the locker room for a starting guard position, in my opinion. I’m betting that he will be the Illini’s starting quarterback right away.
OG Andrew Dennis, the #4-star, #168th-ranked guard in the class of 2024
Since Illinois has some experience returning at guard, this is a difficult position to fill. However, as a four-star andDennis, who is rated as the No. 168 prospect in the class of 2024, might start at guard for the upcoming campaign.
Dennis enrolled ahead of schedule even though he will be a freshman the following season. For this reason, I think he’s going to land a starting position. Before his freshman campaign, Dennis will be able to take part in spring practice and strengthen himself. This kid, in my opinion, has a very promising future.
OT J.C. Davis: 25 career starts, 84.6 grade, and #8 PFF
Bielema performed admirably in acquiring one of the top offensive lineman available through the transfer portal. Davis is a great addition to the team and will start at tackle right away.
