Portal guys and the incoming class gather all the headlines slash attention for a while on a new roster. They certainly have with me. But the backbone of our success is going to be largely from a lot of those kids who stuck around. Moreover, in addition to the players we expect contributions from, there will be some others who the staff is going pull the talent of out of these youngsters their predecessors couldn't. Bearing that in mind, here's mix of who I think those players might be...
- Dalton Brooks (N) - I really like what I saw in limited snaps from this kid. My only question is where you put him. I think he's a nickel. He's certainly big, physical and instinctive enough.
- Bravion Rogers/Jayvon Thomas (CB) - I am just unwilling to give up on so much raw ability on both kids. I think they got poor deals on how they were coached. Their strength and technique has to be better, but I saw effort and skill as well.
- Rylan Kennedy (Edge)- Sylla and White had better watch out or with a little more mass and strength this kid will go right on past them for their jobs. That's how much I think of him. He just seems to have the "it" factor a lot of good Edges have.
- Malick Sylla/Enai White (WDE) - Speaking of our other WDEs, if ever there are have some guys who have been strangely misused in the past coupled of years, it has to be our DEs. Sure, it's worked out on a couple of plays, but mostly it's it's been a hodge podge of weird calls having our rushers doing the opposite of of what they do the best. Sadly, it's these two players I believe it's hurt the most, (along with Overton). All about new chances now and I hope the staff serves them better!
- Samu (NT)- I think he should be big enough and good enough for one name, don't y'all?! If he can be a space eater at the nose to give us some solid rotational snaps against the run, I'll be ecstatic. If we get any push up the middle, it's a bonus. We're really thin here as well.
- Albert Regis(NT) - Our quasi-returning NT has to be on this list and we have to have good production from him for a couple of reasons. Number one, as I've already said, we're pretty thin here and we need production from everyone at DT pretty much. Secondly, we need the line to keep the linebackers clean, especially in the running game and Regis has the most experience doing that.
- Martrell Harris Jr./Daymion Sanford/Chantz Johnson (WILL LB) - At least two of them, probably, are going to have to step up, because I'm already on record as believing that Kennedy is an Edge and I think Scooby Williams will be, too. But somebody is going to being playing next to York on the outside, if it's not Alex Howard. Why not one of these kids?! Talent is there. Coach'em up!
- Dametrious Crownover (T) - I don't believe I would've been writing these words a couple of years ago, but how things change. At times last year, he looked like our best lineman out there. I want Deuce to return to form and see what Graham has, but having seen what Crownover has become, I'm just not going to sell him short, especially with a line coach who really can coach.
- Mark Nabou Jr. (C/G) - Is there anyone here who didn't see how far 54 advanced last season?! With a line that had maddening inconsistency, Nabou was a pleasant surprise. I honestly was stomping my foot for him to replace Foster when Foster was having his struggles. I may just do that again this Spring. I just like Nabou. He's big, mobile and and really seems to get his assignments. I really believe he will flourish with Cushing coaching him.
- T.J. Shanahan (G) - Lost with the injury, some people have forgotten how good he was a prep star. I haven't. And there are job openings at guard and perhaps center. Heck, the whole line could open for all we know. But back to T.J. He was a monster in high school and I think he can be again in college. We all know how the injuries go on the line. We just gotta have guys ready...and he should be one.
- Theo Melin Ohrstrom (TE) - We knew there was going to be a learning curve, but if ever there was a staff to start forming & polishing all of Theo's talent, it will be this one. We can already see he's a willing blocker. The tools are there. It's just a case of getting him to be the player everyone could foresee.
- Jaden Platt (TE) - The end of last year was nice preview of what this young man could be. The speed, the hands and feel for the defense were all right there. He just needs the experience and coaching. I really like the young TEs mixed in with vets. With some really good hands on coaching, we could be outstanding!!
- Micah Tease (WR) - One word. Speed. That's why we were happy when we flipped him from Arkansas and why we should still be happy we have him. The young man can fly and we need that. I'm really hoping Coach Wiggins can give kids like Micah a lot better instruction and use his God given gifts.
- Tyler White (P) - C'mon Illini, you can't put a punter on this list! Yes, it's my list, so I can and I will! Let's face it, other than "0" our special teams, including Nik, were bad last year, so they need to be BETTER next year and Tyler is supposed to have a big leg and he'll also have coaching (new thing) so he's on the list.
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