After beating USC (4-1, 2-1), No. 22 Illinois (4-1, 1-1) has seen some changes. Illinois’ secondary got healthier, but its receiver room lost a valuable piece. This gives new players a chance to shine.
Here’s who could be up next for the Illini in their battle against the Boilermakers (2-2, 0-1).
Ashton Hollins
Junior receiver Malik Elzy leaving the team created an opening for a receiver to step up. The top of the depth chart is set, with senior Hank Beatty, juniors Justin Bowick and Hudson Clement and sophomore Collin Dixon.
However, the top rotational spot is now up for grabs. One candidate that could step up is junior Ashton Hollins. Hollins has already seen some success this season. The wideout caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown in Illinois’ win over Western Michigan (2-3, 1-0).
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“A man of great character,” said senior quarterback Luke Altmyer. “He’s rangy, great catch radius; he’s got speed out there.”
With Elzy departing, Hollins could be featured more in the offense. His speed and size make him an intriguing player. The junior might see the field more as a rotational piece this weekend.
Saboor Karriem
While Elzy ultimately decided to redshirt, he wasn’t the only one considering it this week. Head coach Bret Bielema said that junior defensive back Saboor Karriem thought about redshirting, but ultimately decided against it.
Against USC, the junior earned his largest share of playtime this season, allowing Karriem to post a career-best 10 tackles.
“He trusts in the plan and the vision that we have for him,” said defensive coordinator Aaron Henry. “That opportunity had been waiting for Saboor; I was just really looking forward to him going and taking it.”
While Illinois’ secondary depth has improved after several injuries against Indiana (5-0, 2-0), Karriem should continue to have opportunities with senior defensive back Xavier Scott out for most of the season.
Christian Abney
Illinois’ tight ends have been relatively quiet so far this season. Senior Tanner Arkin only has four receptions, senior Cole Rusk has five and junior Christian Abney has one.
Abney grabbed his first reception with Illinois Saturday in the closing seconds of the first quarter, but his impact went beyond the box score. The tight end graded out as Illinois’ third-most productive player by PFF (81.5), just behind Altmyer and Beatty.
Offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. praised Abney’s play against some tough USC defensive ends, saying that the tight end more than held his own.
“He’s tough as a boot,” Lunney Jr. said.
Now, without Elzy, the Illini could start to add more plays involving their tight ends. Abney, the standout this weekend, figures to be involved beyond just blocking going forward.
Jaheim Clarke
After missing the first four games, junior defensive back Jaheim Clarke made his return against USC. He didn’t disappoint. Clarke had a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.
“Just in coverage, he’s so good,” Henry said. “He was one of our defensive MVPs.”
It makes a big difference having Clarke back, especially with all the movement in the secondary. Guys continue to go in and out of the lineup with injuries, so getting Clarke back helps stabilize the defense.
“It helps the guys around him,” Henry said. “When you know you got a guy on one side of the field that’s going to do his thing and hold it down.”
With Purdue coming up, Clarke has a chance to make a real impact. The Boilermakers have already thrown six interceptions this season, the most in the Big Ten. Clarke has a pass breakup, and he could have an even bigger showing in West Lafayette, Indiana.
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