X-Factor For the 2024 Illini Football Season

X-Factor For the 2024 Illinois Football Season

As Bret Bielema prepares for August, an X-factor to a potential postseason return for the Illinois football program has become apparent. Barry Lunney Jr. has built solid depth across the Illini offense. Portal additions such as WR Zakhari Franklin, OT Melvin Priestly, TE Cole Rusk, OT Kevin Wigenton II, and G/T JC Davis will all look to make an immediate impact at Illinois. Lunney’s offense possesses a quality 8-deep offensive line unit, a receiver group with two highly skilled veteran talents, and a very intriguingly deep and versatile running back room. Certainly, a refreshing amount of depth for the Illini offense, at least compared to recent history. Additionally, this will be the third season OC Barry Lunney Jr has taken ownership of the Illini’s offense.  So certainly, the offense is not my top concern.

After major defensive contributors, Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph Jr departed Illinois for the NFL, the “Law Firm” left quite a void for Aaron Henry’s unit. Terrance Jamison and coach Henry went to work in the portal to fill that void and added some intriguing prospects to the room. However, concerns for the defensive line raise questions. Can coach Jamison’s crew help boost Henry’s defense, and assist the Illini back to a bowl, as they did in 2022?

Dec 30, 2022; Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Portal Priorities

Defensive backs and defensive lineman were top priorities for the Illinois Football staff during the offseason. Aaron Henry added 4-star transfer DB Terrance Brooks out of the University of Texas. In addition, snagging experienced Ohio University corner Torrie Cox out of the MAC. Certainly, the talented duo adds much needed quality depth and veteran experience to the Illini secondary.

Portal additions to the Illini’s defensive line will be a major story line during the 2024 season. Veteran transfers Dennis Briggs Jr (Florida State), Gentle Hunt (Florida A&M) and Enyce Sledge (Auburn) all provide veteran experience to the room. However, there are some reasonable question marks. Enyce Sledge was an impactful rotational piece in the SEC for Auburn, however, he wants to be a heavy contributor for Illinois. Will he be able to take on a heavier role for the Illini? Can Gentle Hunt transition smoothly from the MEAC to the Big Ten? His strength and film say yes, however only time will tell. Will Dennis Briggs Jr’s injury history be a concern for him in 2024? He brings tons of experience as a 7th year senior, but can he stay healthy?

Trust will lie heavily in the staffs evaluations of talent, to which, Bret Bielema has a well established history.

Secondary Assistance

If Illinois defensive backs unit can be a strength of the defense, some pressure is certainly alleviated from the front seven. Secondary play is a game of seconds, like a professional bull ride. If coverage is tight, the quarterback is forced to hold the ball longer, buying more time for defensive lineman to make moves, and hunt for the ball. For instance, in 2022, veterans Quan Martin, Devon Witherspoon and Sydney Brown provided stellar coverage, which certainly assisted in the arrival of the “Law Firm.” A stellar season for both position groups, who fed off of each other for assistance.

If both the defensive line and secondary units can provide even a solid overall performance in 2024, I think the Illini will bowl. Possibly, locking 6-8 wins, which would be a major step in the right direction once again for this program. However, if Illinois opponents gouge them with the run game at will, with little pressure on the quarterback, its going to be a long season for the Illini.