The Law Firm is Open for Business

THE LAW FIRM IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS

On January 16th, Illinois Football received some great news. Star defensive linemen Keith Randolph and Johnny Newton announced that they will be returning for another year in the Orange and Blue. After understandably losing Devon Witherspoon and Chase Brown to the NFL draft pool, along with some of your best players, such as Quan Martin and Sydney Brown running out of eligibility, this is outstanding news. Additionally, key offensive pieces such as Isaiah Adams, Julian Pearl and Isaiah Williams all announced their returns recently. Randolph and Newton are probably the most significant returnees on the defensive side of the ball, in addition to experienced veteran, Tarique Barnes. The Law firm is back in business.

they counted me out, but they miscounted… pic.twitter.com/12AXIWWSaQ

— Keith Randolph (@Randolph_22) January 16, 2023

What now?

The Illini will certainly return familiar faces next season. Though they certainly lose the offensive star power in Chase Brown and Tommy Devito, Isaiah Williams is expected to be one of the top slot receivers in the country. With intriguing transfer QB, Luke Altmyer, Illinois looks like it will be able to build on the offensive improvements this year. Though running back is certainly in question, Illinois has a stable of talented, albeit young, options that will certainly be hungry for the opportunity

The defense also looks to return a lot of key players. Seth Coleman and CJ Hart announced their comebacks on Twitter today to add to the experience that Illinois is returning. The biggest questions probably lie at defensive back. With Witherspoon gone, Illinois will need a true number 1 and 2 to step up. Taz Nicholson improved heavily as the season progressed, however given his injuries late season, depth needs to show itself.

The Illini are adding some transfer portal talent, however a crew of young DB’s must take the next step this offseason. Whether it’s highly touted Elijah McCantos or versatile freshmen such as Xavier Scott, the Illini will need some young guys to grow up fast. Additionally, with Sydney Brown, Quan Martin and Kendall Smith gone, the backfield is rather empty from an experience standpoint.

Nonetheless, returning two surefire pro prospects for an additional year bodes well for the Illini. In year 3 of Bret Bielema’s tenure, I expect a lot of big things. The Law firm opening up for business one last time is a great start.