Hail to the Chief | Illinois Fighting Illini Dynasty (NCAA 14)

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QB - Chayce Crouch vs. Dwayne Lawson
Dwayne Lawson, a JUCO transfer from Garden City who had to redshirt last year due to not graduating in time to join the Illini last season finally joined Illinois in the spring semester. Lawson originally played for Virginia Tech his freshman year before off the field issues forced him to go to Junior College the last 2 seasons. The Junior Redshirt looks to dethrone the Senior who led the Illini to a Cotton Bowl victory. Crouch struggled at times last year including having a few injuries towards the end that affected his play but in all had a solid season. Early spring practices show Crouch continuing to be the starter this year.

HB - Reggie Corbin vs. Dre Brown
These two split carries as Kendrick Foster's backup last season. Dre Brown fit more into Lovie Smith and Garrick McGee's Pro Style offense and Corbin fit more into shotgun situations. Two very different runners with different skill sets. Look for these two to battle it out in the spring game to get the majority of the carries but should be relatively even split in the backfield this year.

WR 2/3/4 - Sam Mays vs. Ricky Smalling vs. Carmoni Green vs. Duncan Thieman
This should have been an easy decision this coming year with all four of these guys getting reps, but last year's leading receiver Mike Dudek decided to return for his Senior year and forgo the NFL draft. Leaving one of these four to get a smaller amount of reps. Sam Mays was a main player on special teams as a kick and punt returner last year and looks to reprise that role in 2018. He did manage 3 receptions including a touchdown last year and he also holds seniority as a Senior this year. Carmoni Green was the leader in receptions of these four last year with Ricky Smalling behind him. Duncan Thieman didn't see the field last year. An outside shot would be two incoming freshman Kevin Turner and Justin Bergstrand who are expected to be redshirted. And also depth receiver and special teamer Kendall Smith.

RT - Larry Boyd vs. Alex Palczewski
Larry Boyd backed up Christian DiLauro last season as Palczewski was redshirted. Larry Boyd has a little experience over Palczewski but Palczewski is considered to be the player with better upside. I see Boyd starting this year but don't be surprised if Palczewski takes over the job at some point.

DT2 - Kenyon Jackson vs Tito Odenigbo
Kenyon Jackson started the season last year as the number one defensive tackle but was quickly taken over by standout Jamal Milan. Milan retains that number one role for 2018 and now Jackson has to fight against Tito Odenigbo for reps at number two this year. Both players should get a healthy amount of reps this season. Should be an interesting spring battle to watch.

LOLB - Dele Harding vs Jake Hansen
Dele Harding was a solid run stopper on the left side last year and Jake Hansen spent most of his time on special teams. However, Hansen has improved quite a bit this summer but is more of a pass rusher. Could see him in situational pass rush situations with Harding playing the run with his slower harder hitting play. We will see who plays better in the spring game.

CB1 - Chris James Jr. vs Cameron Watkins
Both these players outshined Jaylen Dunlap last year at cornerback and caused turnovers. Chris James Jr is the early leader in spring practice but a good or bad spring game from these two could change things. Should be a good competition to watch in the spring game.

FS - Stanley Green vs Ben Smith
Stanley Green looks to keep his job against JUCO athlete Ben Smith. Smith shows great range but Green does a better job at turning the ball over. Both are Juniors so its should be an interesting two years with these two back there.

K - Chase McLaughlin vs. Mark Jackson
Chase McLaughlin struggled at times last year, so the Illini brought in Mark Jackson to stir up some competition. The strong legged Jackson had issues of his own with accuracy in High School, but both have been perfect in spring practice. See McLaughlin hold this job and Jackon be redshirted for his freshman year.

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POST-SPRING GAME

QB - Chayce Crouch vs. Dwayne Lawson
Neither quarterback shined. Lawson held on to the ball too long and Crouch didn't hold on long enough. Ironically Jeff George Jr. played the best out of the Illini quarterbacks. Crouch will keep his job. But if he goes down with injury look for it to be a tough decision for Lovie on who to put in after that.
WINNER: Chayce Crouch


HB - Reggie Corbin vs. Dre Brown
Both these backs should get a healthy amount of carries this season but look for Brown to get the majority. Brown fits more into the pro style offense that the Illini run. He also showed good consistency in the spring game.
WINNER: Dre Brown


WR - Sam Mays vs. Ricky Smalling vs. Carmoni Green vs. Duncan Thieman
Thieman got the most looks in the spring game since he had the most to prove. Mays had the biggest play. Smalling was the most consistent and Green was the quietest only being targeted once on a pass that would sail over his head. Green was the best last year and that's saying something. They still like him in the slot so don't look for him to move from there. They liked how Smalling and Thieman looked on the outside but Smalling definitely has the upper hand. Mays falls somewhere in the middle. He has big play ability and also duties on kickoffs to worry about. Look for him to be a situational guy and when other receivers get tired.
WR Depth Chart- Dudek, Smalling, Green, Thieman, Mays


RT - Larry Boyd vs. Alex Palczewski
A relatively quiet time on the right side for both teams making this more difficult. However, Palczewski failed to help on the Odenigbo sack, granted not entirely his fault. This will give the edge to Boyd for now.
WINNER: Larry Boyd

DT2 - Kenyon Jackson vs. Tito Odenigbo
Tito did exactly what he needed to do to get the job. Make plays. Kenyon Jackson did the opposite. He was not in any plays at all. Constantly beat at the line and you have to wonder if he is already losing what he once had.
WINNER: Tito Odenigbo


LOLB - Dele Harding vs. Jake Hansen
Neither one was making an impact in the spring game. Harding will keep his job though lose some time to pass rushing Hansen.
WINNER: Dele Harding


CB1 - Chris James Jr. vs. Cameron Watkins
Chris James Jr. had a great season last year and so did Watkins. However, Watkins came ready to play for the spring game. Most definitely being the player of the game despite being on the losing side. James Jr. didn't get thrown to much in the game. Both of these cornerbacks are poised for a big year, but the #1 spot goes to Watkins for now.
WINNER: Cameron Watkins


FS - Stanley Green vs. Ben Smith
Ben Smith looked slow and Stanley Green was being Stanley Green. He always seemed to be in on the play. Green keeps his job. Smith should play a suitable backup.
WINNER: Stanley Green


K - Chase McLaughlin vs. Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson's 46 yarder from the right hash was impressive for the young man. He can take that into next year with some confidence. As for now, he'll be redshirted and McLaughlin will keep his job.
WINNER: Chase McLaughlin

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Illinois Fighting Illini Depth Chart - 2018
Regular Offense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
WR	#18 Mike Dudek - SR(RS)	#5 Carmoni Green - SO	#9 Sam Mays - SR
TE	#81 Griffin Palmer - SO	#15 Louis Dorsey - FR(RS)	#13 Caleb Reams - JR(RS)
LT	#52 Adam Solomon - JR(RS)	#75 Kurt Gavin - SO(RS)
LG	#79 Vederian Lowe - SO	#75 Kurt Gavin - SO(RS)
C	#53 Nick Allegretti - SR(RS)	#65 Doug Kramer Jr. - SO(RS)
RG	#72 Gabe Megginson - JR(RS)	#73 Jake Cerny - SO(RS)
RT	#76 Larry Boyd - SO(RS)	#63 Alex Palczewski - FR(RS)
WR	#88 Ricky Smalling - SO	#84 Dominic Thieman - JR	#4 Kendall Smith - FR(RS)
QB	#7 Chayce Crouch - SR(RS)	#12 Dwayne Lawson - JR(RS)	#3 Jeff George Jr. - JR(RS)	#19 Cam Thomas - FR(RS)
FB	#36 Austin Roberts - SR(RS)	#45 Andrew Trainer - SO(RS)
HB	#27 Dre Brown - JR(RS)	#2 Reggie Corbin - JR(RS)	#24 Ra'Von Bonner - FR(RS)
Base 4-3 Defense
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
LDE	#47 Sean Adesanya - SR(RS)	#90 Olalere Oladipo - SO	#97 Bobby Roundtree - SO
LDT	#55 Jamal Milan - JR(RS)	#95 Kenyon Jackson - JR
RDT	#94 Tito Odenigbo - SR(RS)	#51 Kendrick Green - FR(RS)
RDE	#13 Owen Carney Jr - SO	#96 Jordan Beck - JR	#93 Jarod James -- FR
WLB	#9 Dele Harding - JR	#35 Jake Hansen - JR	#54 Marc Mondesir - FR(RS)
MLB	#33 Tre Watson - SR(RS)	#2 Julian Jones - SR	#34 Christion Abercrombie - SO(RS)
SLB	#3 Del'Shawn Phillips - SR	#32 Justice Williams - JR(RS)	#54 Marc Mondesir - FR(RS)
CB	#31 Cameron Watkins - JR(RS)	#23 Frank Sumpter - JR(RS)	#26 Evan Jones - SO(RS)
SS	#21 Patrick Nelson - JR(RS)	#30 Julian Hylton - SR(RS)	#8 Bennett Williams - FR(RS)
FS	#17 Stanley Green - JR	#38 Ben Smith - JR	#20 Harvey Clayton Jr. - SO(RS)	#25 Dawson DeGroot - FR(RS)
CB	#12 Chris James Jr. - SR(RS)	#6 Tony Adams - SO	#29 Nate Hobbs - FR(RS)
Special Teams
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
K	#43 Chase McLaughlin - SR(RS)
P	#40 Ryan Tucker - SR(RS)
H	#12 Dwayne Lawson
PR	#9 Sam Mays
KR	#9 Sam Mays	#2 Reggie Corbin
LS	#13 Caleb Reams	#63 Alex Palczewski	#65 Doug Kramer Jr.

Redshirts:
#28 FR HB Victor George
#44 FR HB Titus Hall
#86 FR WR Kevin Turner
#83 FR WR Justin Bergstrand
#68 FR LT Jason West
#69 FR LG Travis Brown
#98 FR DE Justin Hill
#92 FR DT Lamar Ford
#10 FR CB Alex Clark
#1 FR K Mark Jackson

SCHEDULE:

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Illinois has 14 scholarships and are currently targeting these 15 recruits
Pipeline States: Illinois, Florida, Texas

Illinois Fighting Illini Recruiting - 2018
NAME	POS	CLASS	HOMETOWN	HT	WT	CALIBER
Matthew Marcus	ATH	HS	Maywood, IL	6'3"	210
Corey Washington	MLB	HS	Hoover, AL	6'1"	256
Isaac Mason	C	HS	Allen Park, MI	6'2"	282
Calvin Williams	QB	HS	East Bradenton, FL	6'3"	188
Clint Barber	K	HS	Lake Forest, IL	6'0"	200
Ricky Avery	FB	HS	Blue Springs, MO	6'2"	232
Rory Swan	OG	HS	Bartlett, IL	6'0"	305
Zach Stewart	OLB	HS	St. Joseph, MI	6'2"	201
Vince Waller	DE	HS	Tifton, GA	6'1"	246
Jeff Adams	OT	HS	Georgetown, TX	6'8"	315
Michael Moore	DT	HS	Orachards South, WA	6'1"	283
Edmond Washington	CB	HS	Pinewood, FL	6'2"	178
Mike Hill	TE	HS	Baltimore, MD	6'6"	252
John Brown	P	JUCO	Corinth, MS	5'10"	163
Corey Long	DE	HS	Carol Stream, IL	6'1"	245

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Hoping to get the first game up today in between classes and a couple more tomorrow since I'm off school and work tomorrow.

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Illini Crush Kent State, 55-20

Sam Mays made this incredible catch late.

CHAMPAIGN, IL - The Illini would start their season at home against the Kent State Golden Flashes. The Flashes came in as one of the lowest ranked teams, but do have some solid players including a good running attack. The game would start off slow with both defenses forcing three and outs until the Illini drove within scoring range a little after the midway point of the first quarter. It was there that Chayce Crouch threw a pass to Ricky Smalling and he would make an incredible grab over two defenders and turn around and score.

Ricky Smalling made this tough catch over two defenders early.

Then in the second quarter the Illini offense would break out. They started slow with a McLaughlin field goal but then Crouch would throw two more touchdown passes, another one to Smalling and one to Griffin Palmer. This would put Illinois up 24-0 before the Flashes could get on the board. Their quarterback Bollas would scamper in for a 24 yard score on a read option play that broke through the Illini defense, but they would fail on the two point conversion. And the Crouch to Smalling connection was strong as ever today and they would score again with 9 seconds left to bring the halftime score to 31-6. Crouch had four touchdown passes, three to Smalling alone, just in this first half.

Patrick Nelson bats this ball down on a third and long play.

The second half would be much of the same. A stout Illinois defense and an explosive offense. Halfway through the third Reggie Corbin would punch in a two yard run. Kent State would respond with a 26 yard pass from Bollas to Raekwon James on a nice play action pass that fooled everybody. The fourth would be interesting for the Illini backups to say the least. They started off with a drive that led to another McLaughlin field goal. Bollas and the Flashes would respond again with a 6 yard run to bring it to 41-20. A little before the halfway point the Illini would be in a third and long situation. Backup quarterback Dwayne Lawson would throw it into double coverage to Senior wide receiver Sam Mays. It would bounce off a defender's shoulder and Sam Mays would have the concentration to catch it with his fingertips before it hit the ground. The two defenders had knocked each other over so Mays was left standing alone. He turned around and took it the rest of the 79 yards to the house for the score. The play would be reviewed but as you can see from above. He clearly caught it. The Illini are no stranger to the weird plays for touchdowns. Just see Dre Browns flexible run from last year. That would definitely seal it but the Kent State defense was so awful that Dwayne Lawson was able to run in another score while the Illini were running clock. FINAL: ILLINI 55, KENT STATE 20

Kent State Golden Flashes at Illinois Fighting Illini
Sep 6, 2018	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Kent State Golden Flashes (0-0)	0	6	7	7	20
Illinois Fighting Illini (0-0)	7	24	7	17	55

Team Stats Comparison
	KENT	ILL
Total Offense	402	602
Rushing Yards	47	205
Passing Yards	355	397
First Downs	16	27
Punt Return Yards	27	26
Kick Return Yards	34	69
Total Yards	463	697
Turnovers	0	0
3rd Down Conversion	6-15(40%)	10-16(62%)
4th Down Conversion	0-0	1-1(100%)
2-Point Conversion	0-1(0%)	0-0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	3-1-0(33%)	5-4-1(100%)
Penalties	5-45	6-36
Possession Time	12:58	23:02

Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER SCORING		KENT	ILL
3:02	(ILL) Chayce Crouch 27 yard pass to Ricky Smalling	0	7
SECOND QUARTER SCORING		KENT	ILL
7:30	(ILL) Chase McLaughlin, 31 yard FG	0	10
3:58	(ILL) Chayce Crouch 3 yard pass to Ricky Smalling	0	17
1:43	(ILL) Chayce Crouch 21 yard pass to Griffin Palmer	0	24
0:41	(KENT) Bollas, 24 yard run (2-pt failed)	6	24
0:09	(ILL) Chayce Crouch 13 yard pass to Ricky Smalling	6	31
THIRD QUARTER SCORING		KENT	ILL
4:22	(ILL) Reggie Corbin, 2 yard run	6	38
2:52	(KENT) Bollas 26 yard pass to James	13	38
FOURTH QUARTER SCORING		KENT	ILL
7:51	(ILL) Chase McLaughlin, 44 yard FG	13	41
6:06	(KENT) Bollas, 6 yard run	20	41
5:21	(ILL) Dwayne Lawson 79 yard pass to Sam Mays	20	48
2:06	(ILL) Dwayne Lawson, 5 yard run	20	55

Kent State Golden Flashes PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Bollas 24/46 355 1 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Bollas 6 34 5.6 2 Rankin 5 8 1.6 0 Matthews 1 8 8.0 0 Harrington 1 -3 -3.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Woods 7 90 12.8 0 Rankin 6 62 10.3 0 White 4 46 11.5 0 James 4 73 18.2 1 Carrigan 2 77 38.5 0 Matthews 1 7 7.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Marinelli 3 1 Puthoff 1 0 Warnock 1 1 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Simpson 12 0 0 0 Marshall 8 0 0 0 Thomas 8 0 0 0 Robinson Jr. 6 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Hynes 0/2 2/2 2 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Adams 6 253 42.1 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Grandjean 1 13 13.0 0 Woods 1 21 21.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Grandjean 2 27 13.5 0

Illinois Fighting Illini PASSING C/A YDS TD INT Chayce Crouch 24/32 284 4 0 Dwayne Lawson 3/6 113 1 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD Dre Brown 22 74 3.3 0 Reggie Corbin 17 68 4.0 1 Dwayne Lawson 4 32 8.0 1 Chayce Crouch 3 29 9.6 0 Austin Roberts 1 2 2.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD Carmoni Green 9 128 14.2 0 Mike Dudek 4 40 10.0 0 Ricky Smalling 4 49 12.2 3 Griffin Palmer 4 49 12.2 1 Duncan Thieman 2 35 17.5 0 Sam Mays 1 79 79.0 1 Austin Roberts 1 18 18.0 0 Reggie Corbin 1 -1 -1.0 0 BLOCKING PANCAKE SACK Vederian Lowe 1 0 Adam Solomon 1 0 Kurt Gavin 1 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD Tre Watson 8 0 0 0 DelShawn Phillips 5 0 0 0 Cameron Watkins 4 0 0 0 Owen Carney Jr 2 1 0 0 Sean Adesanya 2 1 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG Chase McLaughlin 2/2 7/7 13 45 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 Ryan Tucker 3 131 43.6 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Sam Mays 3 69 23.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD Sam Mays 4 26 6.5 0

UP NEXT: At Home vs. Western Illinois (FCS Midwest)