Illini Football: 3 Transfers Expected to Produce Immediately

Illini Football is headed into a very important season. In year four for Bret Bielema, fans are expecting the Illini to consistently contend for bowl games and show competence. Despite performing better than his predecessors early on, fans are growing increasingly anxious for some sort of relevance. Bielema will have to rely on a rather fresh roster. For the most part, most of their key returners are still young. However, Bielema and the Illini football staff did an excellent job of finding some key plug-and-play transfers that will be expected to produce immediately.

Terrance Brooks

Terrance Brooks chose Illinois over some big-time offers in the transfer portal. Brooks was the starting defensive back on Texas, a team that made the College Football playoff. His experience and his talent will be vital to a rather thin position for the Illini. Look for Brooks to be the top cornerback on a defense that needs to produce this year. Additionally, look for Defensive tackle, Gentle Hunt, to make an impact for the Illini on the defensive line. The Florida A&M transfer has the motor to help the Illini in a significant way in between Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas.

JC Davis

Jeremy Werner of IlliniInquirer.com always refers to JC Davis as a Plug-and-play Left Tackle. That could not be more true as JC Davis is a no-doubt starter on the Illini’s offensive line. The Illini will rely upon Davis in a big way as they always look to pound the rock with their stable of talented running backs.

If Davis lives up to the preseason hype, look for the Illini to have another solid year on offense.

Zakhari Franklin

Speaking of offense, Zakhari Franklin may have been the most important transfer portal acquisition. Outside of Pat Bryant, the Illini are simply too young and too thin at the receiver corps. They have some talented pieces in Malik Elzy and Collin Dixon, however, those two are true sophomores. Franklin brings experience and proven production on the perimeter. Look for starting QB Luke Altmyer to rely heavily on Franklin’s services.

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