2018 Illinois Fighting Illini

[TwentyTwo]

Since 06' Illinois' started 11, 8, 5, 4, 4, 6, 8, 10, 8, 10 , 10 whites ...for 2018' back down to 6 (7 depending on DeGroot). The Skill position players make Illinois a team to watch!

As a True Freshman Tailback Mike Epstein from FL (soph./ 6'-0 200) burst on the scene in Five games (3 starts)' led team in Rushing for 346 yards on just 57 carries (6.1 avg.); 4 total TD's; season high was 111 yards vs. Western Kentucky; & longest run 58 yards vs. Iowa. Fracturing his foot & missed last 7 games; he should be the Focal Point of the offense this season.

WR Mike Dudek (Sr.) 5'-11" 195 is healthy & a playmaker ; also Punt Retuner.

On Defense ....Coaches are extremely high on WLB Jake Hansen(Soph.) who missed 17' torn ACL; looked really solid during camp as an instinctual & fast! Street & Smith's publication list Dawson DeGroot(from FL) Starter at Corner Back! BUT...only Listed 3rd Team on 24/7 Sports as SS.

* OFFENSE (5)
RB Mike Epstein
WR Mike Dudek
C Doug Kramer
RG Nick Alegretti
RT Alex Palczewski

Other players to watch:
QB Matt Robinson; TE Griffin Palmer; TE Bobby Walker (former Walk-on)

*DEFENSE (1)
OLB Jake Hansen
DB Dawson DeGroot (battle for position); started one game as Freshman

Other players to watch:
LB Jimmy Marchese(injured); SS Michael Marchese; DB Christian Bobak

 

[Shadowlight]

Thanks 22. And I look forward to your weekly wrap ups this season.

You wonder with this HC if Illinois is a bit like Georgia Tech where some white skill players flash for a couple of more years before the cupboard runs dry?

Obviously Epstein, the key player, flashed perhaps NFL type talent last season. Let us hope he remains healthy this go around and really turns it up.

Still an undercurrent of middling when it comes to a caste perspective but there is enough here to keep me engaged.

If a few things fall into place on defense as 22 points out this team could be a pleasant surprise.

 

[Deceptive Speed]

S Michael Marchese 6'4 210 looks to be the future at the position, as he started against NW last week and produced 11 tckls!