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Illinois Football Strengthens O-Line with Idaho Transfer Nathan Knapik

The Illini continue to add strength and size to their two deep to back up their already impressive offensive line.

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Illinois Football Adds Nathan Knapik
Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Bart Miller’s offensive line continues to gain added depth and talent, with this offseason highlighting a strong focus on the “FamILLy” motto for the Illinois Football front-five.

247 Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported on Saturday (4/26) that Illinois Football has secured another commitment from the portal — officially signing Wyoming offensive tackle Nathan Knapik, the younger brother of fellow Illini offseason transfer portal addition Aydan Knapik.

 

How Knapik Fits With Illinois Football

A former 3-star in the class of 2024, the redshirt-freshman stands in at a massive 6’7 and 285 pounds, which provides the Fighting Illini with a highly intriguing developmental option for the long term. Pending a little bit of work with coach Tank Wright to add some weight and strength, as well as work on some conditioning, Knapik is certainly built to compete in the Big Ten.

Notably, Illinois returns all five starters from 2024-25’s season-ending Citrus Bowl game victory, which is not only fantastic for Luke Altmyer and Barry Lunney Jr’s offense but also gives transfers like Nathan and his brother Aydan the opportunity to develop physically and get acclimated to the program before facing some of the toughest defensive lines in college football.

However, with some work, Knapik has the frame and ability to be a good long-term option at the tackle position.
Could JC Davis give Illinois football news that would change their season?

Oct 12, 2024. Champaign, Illinois. Illinois Fighting Illini. Offensive lineman J.C. Davis. Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit. Ron Johnson-Imagn Images.

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Kirkland is an expert source for Illinois athletics news. He is the lead Football analyst at Armchair Illini and has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.

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