Illinois is an extremely young team that has been riddled with injuries, forcing more youngsters into the mix. With 14 underclassmen seeing significant playing time, there have been a lot of growing pains for this team.
Among the notable injuries is the loss of junior WR Mike Dudek, as well as freshman RB Mike Epstein, with QB Cam Thomas and WR Malik Turner questionable.
Offensively, the Fighting Illini have used three Quarterbacks as they continue to search for an offensive identity.
Should they stick with a Pro-Style approach, look for Jeff George Jr. to be the man under center. Freshman Cam Thomas provides a different look for the Buckeyes with more Spread looks and designed QB runs.
The offensive line boasts three true freshman, a redshirt freshman at center and a junior right guard. The unit has surrendered 36 sacks on the season, 128th out of 130 qualifying teams.
Defensively, Illinois will provide a slightly different look for the Buckeyes.
With injuries to their best linebacker, the will likely have a Nickel base defense, as well as an undersized defensive end where they can shift into a number of different looks.
The unit ranks 74th nationally, giving up 403 yards of total offense per game. Youth is also very apparent as the starting defense has eight underclassmen, four freshman and four sophomores.
Here is a look at the notable individuals for the Fighting Illini ahead of the matchup with Ohio State.
Illinois Offense
Malik Turner (#11)
Wide Receiver
Senior
6’3” 205
Turner is a big target for Illinois quarterbacks with long arms and a slender frame, he provides a big catch radius and uses his length to win contested catches. A solid route runner, Malik creates separation with good footwork and sudden breaks. Turner shows very good hands in all levels of the field and has good agility and change of direction to create yards after the catch. Shows really good awareness near the sidelines to get his feet in bounds. He is not a dedicated blocker downfield nor is he involved in the running game.
Ricky Smalling (#4)
Wide Receiver
Freshman
6’1” 195
A true freshman, Smalling has shown big play ability right out of the gate for Illinois. A thick receiver, Smalling has good speed and very good change of direction to create separation. Has very good functional strength and is capable of fighting off defenders to create leverage within a route stem as well as to win a contested ball. Smalling will be a deep threat versus the Buckeyes.
Louis Dorsey (#19)
Tight End
Freshman
6’2” 225
Louis Dorsey has really come on of late as he continues to prove his ability as a down field threat. Dorsey aligns primarily as an in-line TE and threatens the middle of the field and deep seams with his speed and effective route running in multiple TE formations. Dorsey displays very good hands and is not afraid to attack the deep middle. Needs to add weight to be an effective blocker on the line of scrimmage. Is a red zone threat for Illinois due to his mismatch capability versus opposing linebackers.
Illinois Defense
James Crawford (#5)
OLB/DE
Senior
6’2” 235
One of only two seniors to start on the Illinois defense, Crawford plays a hybrid OLB/DE and aligns primarily on the line of scrimmage as a rush defensive end. Crawford leads the team in tackles for loss with 5.5 due to his athleticism and quickness. James has very good bend and flexibility to run the arc versus opposing offensive tackles, relying on his speed to gain leverage. Uses good pad level and upfield burst at the point of attack to shoot a gap. Struggles when engaged by larger linemen and does not shed blocks efficiently. Too small to stalemate a gap when opposing teams run straight towards him and lacks patience and discipline versus the Read Option.
Jaylen Dunlap (#1)
Cornerback
Senior
6’1” 190
An experienced cornerback with an NFL skill set, Jaylen provides length and range to the secondary. Playing predominately in Off-Man Coverage, Dunlap uses good instincts and anticipation to click and close to the ball. He uses good acceleration to close in and uses his length and timing to disrupt the pocket of the receiver. Jaylen lacks the physicality to be a difference maker as a run stopper and struggles to breakdown the ball carrier in the open field.
Other Notables:
Jeff George Jr. (#3), QB, Sophomore, 6’3” 215 – A pocket passer, George has a big arm and is not afraid to push the ball down the field. Has enough mobility to keep plays alive. Struggles with accuracy on short and intermediate levels. Lacks poise in a messy pocket and will make questionable decisions when the play breaks down.
Cam Thomas (#10), QB, Freshman, 6’2” 190 – A very good athlete, Cam will provide a dual threat for opposing defenses. Struggles with accuracy but has the arm strength to make all the throws.
Stanley Green (#7), SS, Sophomore, 5’11” 195 – A physical defender, Stanley excels in run support and plays very comfortably near the line of scrimmage.
Bennett Williams (#4), FS, Freshman, 6’0” 200 – Good range and speed, Bennett is a rising prospect among Big Ten defensive backs.