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The start of Camp Rantoul is getting close. And so is the Illinois opener against Missouri on Sept. 5 in St. Louis. Here are Bob Asmussen's projected starters for the Illini against the Tigers:
Offense
Quarterback Juice Williams
Needs 426 yards to become school's career total offense leader
Tailback Jason Ford
Belleville Althoff product will have big rooting section at Edward Jones Dome
Receiver Arrelious Benn
Future No. 1 draft choice looking for second 1,000-yard season
Receiver Jarred Fayson
Florida transfer back on field after almost two-year break
Receiver Jeff Cumberland
Wants to improve on 20-catch 2008 season
Tight end Michael Hoomanawanui
It's been 25 years since Illini had All-Big Ten tight end (Cap Boso)
Right tackle Ryan Palmer
Made strong spring recovery after missing time with broken foot
Right guard Jon Asamoah
Two-year starter deserves All-Big Ten consideration
Center Eric Block
"Bonus" season creates smooth transition from Ryan McDonald
Left guard Randall Hunt
Earned his promotion with solid work throughout the spring
Left tackle Jeff Allen
Starter on right side in '08 faces training camp fight
Defense
End Doug Pilcher
With big senior season, can move onto school career sack list
End Antonio James
Will have to hold off Clay Nurse to keep starting job
Tackle Corey Liuget
Could be a dominant player by his junior season
Tackle Josh Brent
Just a hunch that he avoids game suspension
Linebacker Martez Wilson
Settled in the middle, he's the leading returning tackler
Linebacker Ian Thomas
Illini need big season from former boxer, who has just four career tackles
Linebacker Russell Ellington
High school quarterback facing stiff camp competition
Strong safety Bo Flowers
Proving that age (25) isn't an issue
Free safety Donsay Hardeman
Comeback from neck surgery critical to '09 success
Cornerback Dere Hicks
Top returning defensive going into his third year as starter
Cornerback Tavon Wilson
One of three projected starters from D.C. area (Benn, Thomas)
Special teams
Kicker Matt Eller
Spring competition should improve his performance
Punter Anthony Santella
His averaged jumped almost 2 yards per boot in 2008
Bold prediction on Brent. Hope you're right.
Posted by on July 16, 2009 at 11:16 AM | Suggest Removal
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