Illinois Football: Which Position Needs To Be Addressed Quickly

Illinois Football: Which Position Needs To Be Addressed Quickly

Illinois Football wrapped up spring ball 2024 on Saturday, April 20th. The Orange and Blue game kicked off at 1 pm at a sunny Memorial Stadium in Champaign. Giving Illini fans and media an early access look at Bret Bielema’s 2024 team.

First and foremost, it’s very difficult to determine the future success of a football program based on takeaways from a spring game. Illinois was riddled with a slew of injuries prior to the scrimmage, which held a large group of starters and key rotational pieces out of competition. However, there were a few positions that seemed to set themselves apart. Some in a positive manner, and some, not so much. The Defense has overwhelmingly been the focus of Illini nations critiques.

Current Scholarship Situation

In conclusion of spring workouts, 12 players have entered their names into the spring portal window, thus far. Opening up a hand full of scholarships for Bret Bielema to work with. Of course, Illinois did have to cut down to an 85-man roster for NCAA eligibility. So, not all 12 scholarships will be available for recruiting. Currently, (at the time of posting) Illinois Football has about 5 scholarships available to try and boost their efforts for 2024.

Priority Portal Need: Defensive Backs

Defensive Backs Zachary Tobe, Price Ford, and most recently Elijah Mc-Cantos have all entered their name into the transfer portal. Certainly, players get started over, they see the road forward, they leave… It happens all the time in this new NCAA world. However, this could spell problems for Aaron Henry if not addressed. Quality depth is key for any position to succeed, and the Illini secondary is certainly in the biggest need for solid depth.

Under Construction

Bielema and Henry will need to add 2-3 quality players in this room. The defense must have big steps forward from Xavier Scott and Tyler Strain. Matt Bailey is proven on the field. However, he is coming off of a shoulder injury that ended his season in September of 2023. The Illini have to bring in players who can roll in rotation with these 3 guys. As well as push them for their starting roles.

Following Illinois Football’s best secondary performance ever in 2022 with the likes of Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin and Sydney Brown, the DB room was bad in 2023. Which, was totally expected, and injuries were zero help. However, with Illinois recent additions to the portal, the already paper thin secondary depth is shrinking. Furthermore, giving Bielema an opportunity to reload the room, and take the defense a step forward. Priority #1 for Illinois. 

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