2021 Illinois Fighting Illini

[Leonardfan]

Since 2006 Illinois' started 11, 8, 5, 4, 4, 6, 8, 10, 8, 10 , 10, 6, 5 and 6 whites. The Illini look to start 8 in 2021.

It sounds like RB Mike Epstein has an uphill battle to get carries this year. Hopefully he can manage to stay healthy and make an impact when he does get the ball in his hands. Luke Ford is a candidate for breakout TE in the Big Ten.

Bielema has ways to go to correct the roster if he wants to replicate some of his previous Big Ten success at Wisconsin. Hatie Smiff did an awful job in Champaign. In 2022 he has a 9/16 recruiting class with alot of white OL coming in. Certainly a team that looks to be headed back in the right direction.

Players to watch:
QB Artur Sitkowski, QB Matt Robinson, RB Mike Epstein, FB/TE Max Rosenthal, WR Peyton Vining, LB Bryce Barnes, LB Isaac Darkangelo, LB Alec McEachern, LB Sean Coghlan, CB Christian Bobak



OFFENSE
QB - Brandon Peters
TE - Luke Ford
LG - Jack Badovinac (transfer from Colgate - one of the best Olinemen in the FBS)
C - Doug Kramer
RG - Blake Jeresaty
RT - Alex Palczewski

DEFENSE
LB - Jake Hansen
S - Prather Hudson**

 

[Phall]

I'd love to see Peters get a little bit of pro juice out of this season. He had five stars out of high school. Weird to see Sitkowski on the depth chart, don't I know you from somewhere? (Rutgers, and yes, he probably poured me a Solo cup)

 

[Leonardfan]

I'd love to see Peters get a little bit of pro juice out of this season. He had five stars out of high school. Weird to see Sitkowski on the depth chart, don't I know you from somewhere? (Rutgers, and yes, he probably poured me a Solo cup)

Agreed on Peters. Hatie seemed to yank him in and out of games last year. If I recall the black quarterback started a game or two last season. Peters is certainly a “toolsy” prospect. Sitkowski was awful at Rutgers after being a highly touted prospect. How much of that was Sitkowski and how much of that was Rutgers under Chris Ash?

 

[TwentyTwo]

Prather Hudson?? SAME Prather Hudson that was a WALK-ON Running Back @ GEORGIA?? Led the Dawgs in rushing for a Spring game?

Nice to see Mike Epstein back! He never gave up after 3 bad injuries! If this dude can stay healthy ; an NFL team should select him in the Draft
Broke a long run of 45 yards already! And nice gain of 6!

Peters out the game injured shoulder ...Rutgers Transfer Sitkowski now playing

 

[Freethinker]

I think based upon the 1st half we can move Mike Epstein into a starting spot. He’s got 12 carries, which is more than all of the other RBs combined!

Mike has a career average of 6 yards per carry, which is great especially in a tough Big 10. If he can stay healthy, could he possibly shoot up draft boards like Jake Funk last season? Let’s hope.

 

[Leonardfan]

I think based upon the 1st half we can move Mike Epstein into a starting spot. He’s got 12 carries, which is more than all of the other RBs combined!

Mike has a career average of 6 yards per carry, which is great especially in a tough Big 10. If he can stay healthy, could he possibly shoot up draft boards like Jake Funk last season? Let’s hope.

A pleasant surprise so far. The article I read on him last night made it seem like Bielema was going to make it an uphill battle for him to get carries.

Hudson is indeed the same kid from UGA.