2008 Offensive Position Battles for the Fighting Illini

With Rashard Mendenhall leaving a year of eligibility on the table to turn pro, Ron Zook and the Illini will have to find other sources to run the option with. One guarantee for the Illinois offense is who will be pitching the ball to the tailbacks. The Illini have a dual threat under center starting with Junior, Juice Williams. Williams’ intangibles and ability to scramble lead the Illini to a 9-4 season last year and a berth in the Rose Bowl. Zook’s other option at quarterback is a guy who was used in sort of a “closer” role last year in Eddie Mcgee. While Juice did most of his damage on the ground, Mcgee brought an air attack to the Illini offense late in games. Both quarterbacks figure to see plenty of playing time with Juice being the starter. Zook has proven, however, he is not afraid to pull Juice for Mcgee at any point in the game.

Junior, Daniel Dufrene looks to be the starting tailback heading into the Illini’s 2008 campaign. The 5”11, 200 lb running back saw limited carries last season and will be depended on to take the bulk of the carries this year. Other guys looking to eat up some yards on the ground include Troy Pollard, a redshirt freshman from Jacksonville, Fl. Also, true freshman Mikel LeShoure, Ashante Williams, and Jason Ford look to battle for playing time. The Illini lossed FB Russ Weil to the NFL where he signed undrafted with the St. Louis Rams. Rahkeem Smith, a 6”1, 255 lb back should be the number one full back.

The Illini bring back some skilled players at the wide receiver and tight end positions. The Illini lose Jacob Willis but retain their premiere threat at Wide Out, Arrelious Benn. Jeff Cumberland’s 6”5 frame helps give the Illini a lot of size, strength, and athleticism to help move the chains. Brian Gamble and Kyle Hudson, also the center fielder for the baseball team, round out the main core of receivers for Williams and Mcgee to target. Battling Gamble and Hudson for playing time will be top Illini wide receiver commits Cordale Scott and the 27 th ranked freshman receiver Alfred Jenkins. Jenkins will not overwhelm defenses with his size at just 6”0, 170 lbs, but will look to stretch the field by accelerating past corners and safeties with his speed and quickness. Michael Hoomanawanui will start at the tight end position. Hubie Graham was Illinois’ top tight end commit in 2008 and will probably see a lot of action this year. Graham can be used in blocking schemes and is versatile enough to catch balls down the seams of defenses.

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Eric Wolford’s offensive line returns 3 of its 5 starters from last year’s much improved line. Williams and Mcgee will continue to receive hikes from Center Ryan Mcdonald. Tackle, Xavier Fulton, and Guard, Jon Asamoah will continue to lead an offensive line that bolstered the Big Ten’s top rushing attack last season. The other guard and tackle positions are pretty much up for grabs. Sophomore Tackle, Ryan Palmer should be a favorite to solidify a starting job with his large frame. Another sophomore, Randall Hunt is expected to be the starting left guard this upcoming season, but their will be many challengers in camp. Redshirt freshman Mark Jackson and Craig Wilson will look for some time at tackle and Jack Cornell and Brandon Jordan could see time at guard. Senior Erik Block will be the backup center behind McDonald.

Note: Check back for the position battles for the Illini defense in 2008.

by Zack Estes
BigTen-fans.com Illinois Correspondent

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