Follow Asmussen on Twitter here

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