A Possible Final Addition To The Illinois Football Offense

A Possible Final Addition To The Illinois Football Offense

The Spring transfer portal window is closed, and Bret Bielema now holds the ability to add the finishing touches to the Illinois Football offense. In part 3 of the Illini football  “Portal Needs” series, we take a look at a position that could greatly benefit from the addition of a veteran presence. Corners remain the #1 priority for potential transfer additions, followed by the defensive line. However, the key to solidifying Illinois offense may be an offer away.

Current Offensive Outlook

Offensive Line

As it stands, Bart Millers’ O-line is the strength of the program, boasting the team’s deepest unit. The staff got to work to reload this room in the post-season, adding players like JC Davis from New Mexico, Kevin Wigenton from Michigan State, and Melvin Priestly out of Grambling State. For the first time in a long time, Illinois is 7-8 deep in guys that could productively start for Illinois on the O-line. Hats off to the work that has been put into building this position.

Running Backs

Certainly, when healthy, Thad Ward’s Running Backs are another strong core for Illinois Football. Josh McCray, Kaden Feagin, and Jordan Anderson bring the strength and power out of the backfield for the Illini. Their speedy counterparts, Adian Laughery, and freshman Ca’lil Valentine will have the ability to be home run hitters in Barry Lunney Jr.’s offense in 2024.

Tight Ends

Illinois quickly added Murray State Tight End Cole Rusk to the offense during the off-season. Of course, this was following veteran TE Tip Reiman’s jump to the NFL. There was a need for a veteran presence in the room, and Cole had a really nice spring according to the staff. Junior TE Tanner Arkin was a 2022 portal addition from Colorado State. He started in 3 games for the Illini in 2023 as a redshirt sophomore, snagging his first colligate touchdown vs Wisconsin.

Room For Improvement

Of course, that only leaves one room left in the offense. Illinois Football just recently lost Casey Washington and Isaiah Williams to the NFL. Initially, great news for the Illini program, as this gives Barry Lunney Jr. a tool in the recruiting pitch. However, there is a need to reload. Pat Bryant is ready to roll as the experienced veteran, leading the way for this receiving core. However, the rest of Illinois pass catching depth is unproven. The Illini will have to rely heavily on new, young faces like Hank Beatty, Malik Elzy, Kenari Wilcher, and others to step up and produce. Furthermore, it would not be the worst idea to add a veteran playmaker to the room if possible. Corners and defensive line remain higher priorities for the success of 2024. However, I’m sure Bret Bielema would not mind another reliable presence in the unexperienced room.

Transfer Receiver Offers

Currently, Illinois Football does not have any offers out on transfer receiver targets. However, they are connected to a very good one. Zakhari Franklin recently entered his name into the transfer portal. He previously played for UTSA, who came into Memorial Stadium in 2021 and delivered a gut-punching 37-30 loss in Champaign. A game in which, Zakhari put on a show and snagged 10 catches, 155 yards, and a touchdown to lead the Roadrunners past Illinois.

After two straight 1,000-yard seasons, and being named back-to-back first-team All-Conference, Franklin left USTA. He decided to transfer to Ole Miss in 2023. However, he seemingly sunk his way down the depth chart. . Unfortunately, the 6-foot, 190-pound wide receiver was injured during fall camp. Setting him back physically, and holding him out of the first 3 games of the season for Ole Miss. The native of Cedar Hill, TX will certainly find himself on the Illinois staff’s radar, especially with the connection of OC Barry Lunney Jr. Who coincidentally, was Franklin’s Offensive Coordinator at UTSA.

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