Media was allowed inside the Irwin Indoor facilities for three period of practice on Thursday. We didn't get see much more than than some position work and a few minutes of team stuff.
I primarily watched the offensive line and came away with a rough draft of the 2-deep.
The standout is JC Davis. He's a stud and a potential All-Big Ten type of lineman.
Surprised to see Priestly withe 1's. He's wearing No. 58 and playing tackle, so maybe a number change is in order. He's not very tall, but he has an intriguing combination of power and quickness. Priestly and Brandon Henderson are likely in a battle at the RT spot.
As much as they love Kruetz and his experience and leadership, there's a chance that MSU transfer Kevin Wigenton will give him a battle at center. Wigenton probably has to get in better shape and get more snaps at the position, but he has a chance.
Overall, it's not a super athletic group, but they have size, power, and more depth than in the past.
LT: JC Davis | Magnus Mueller
LG: Josh Gesky | Hunter Whitenack
C: Josh Kruetz | Kevin Wigenton
RG: Zy Crylser | Dezmond Schuster
RT: Melvin Priestly | Brandon Henderson
I watched defensive line go through drills, but no team stuff so I'm not sure about the depth chart yet.
A few notes...
Two underclassmen to watch are redshirt freshmen Jeremiah Warren and Alex Bray.
Warren looks to have take an big leap forward. He was in the front of the drill line and looks bigger and quicker. He's 300 lbs+ now and is confident and aggressive going through drills.
Bray is a plus athlete and may have the quickest burst and best change of direction of all of the interior defensive linemen. He still looks smallish and is a tweener at 270 pounds, so I'm not sure how ready he is to take on Big Ten offensive linemen. He can really move though. Looks like a different kid than last year.
Ezekiel Holmes went through drills with the interior defensive linemen. Looks like they are testing him there since the OLB room is talented deep. Holmes has length, but he's still thin. Not sure how that's going to work out unless they play some 4-man front.
Other notable items...
JUCO transfer Daniel Brown is still with the OLB group. He's easily the fastest guy they have off the edge. A blur rushing the passer. I'd like to see them try him at WLB so they can have him on the field with Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas. We'll see.
Justin Stepp is still raving about Malik Elzy, who goes through drills first and is easily the most fluid and physically gifted of the group.
Hank Beatty is the #1 punt returner right now. A bunch of guys are getting reps.
Tanner Arkin looks like the most complete tight end. Arkin, Griffin Moore, and Cole Rusk will all play.
The spring Transfer Portal widow opens up April 16 and Illinois has a few spots open.
I primarily watched the offensive line and came away with a rough draft of the 2-deep.
The standout is JC Davis. He's a stud and a potential All-Big Ten type of lineman.
Surprised to see Priestly withe 1's. He's wearing No. 58 and playing tackle, so maybe a number change is in order. He's not very tall, but he has an intriguing combination of power and quickness. Priestly and Brandon Henderson are likely in a battle at the RT spot.
As much as they love Kruetz and his experience and leadership, there's a chance that MSU transfer Kevin Wigenton will give him a battle at center. Wigenton probably has to get in better shape and get more snaps at the position, but he has a chance.
Overall, it's not a super athletic group, but they have size, power, and more depth than in the past.
LT: JC Davis | Magnus Mueller
LG: Josh Gesky | Hunter Whitenack
C: Josh Kruetz | Kevin Wigenton
RG: Zy Crylser | Dezmond Schuster
RT: Melvin Priestly | Brandon Henderson
I watched defensive line go through drills, but no team stuff so I'm not sure about the depth chart yet.
A few notes...
Two underclassmen to watch are redshirt freshmen Jeremiah Warren and Alex Bray.
Warren looks to have take an big leap forward. He was in the front of the drill line and looks bigger and quicker. He's 300 lbs+ now and is confident and aggressive going through drills.
Bray is a plus athlete and may have the quickest burst and best change of direction of all of the interior defensive linemen. He still looks smallish and is a tweener at 270 pounds, so I'm not sure how ready he is to take on Big Ten offensive linemen. He can really move though. Looks like a different kid than last year.
Ezekiel Holmes went through drills with the interior defensive linemen. Looks like they are testing him there since the OLB room is talented deep. Holmes has length, but he's still thin. Not sure how that's going to work out unless they play some 4-man front.
Other notable items...
JUCO transfer Daniel Brown is still with the OLB group. He's easily the fastest guy they have off the edge. A blur rushing the passer. I'd like to see them try him at WLB so they can have him on the field with Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas. We'll see.
Justin Stepp is still raving about Malik Elzy, who goes through drills first and is easily the most fluid and physically gifted of the group.
Hank Beatty is the #1 punt returner right now. A bunch of guys are getting reps.
Tanner Arkin looks like the most complete tight end. Arkin, Griffin Moore, and Cole Rusk will all play.
The spring Transfer Portal widow opens up April 16 and Illinois has a few spots open.
