The Champaign Room · Jul 26, 2019
2019 Football Position Preview: Linebackers
Mike Granse-USA TODAY SportsThis is a position that has dramatically changed in two years.
Tre Watson was a quality Big Ten linebacker (proved by his play last year with Maryland). After that, the linebackers were a hodgepodge of up and down play. Hardy Nickerson Jr., Del’Shawn Phillips, they had some nice moments for Illinois. It just wasn't enough.
Linebackers look poised for a breakout in 2019. There's talent, there's experience, there's depth. You can finally feel good about that fourth or fifth guy to come in. Recruiting and transfers have bolstered linebackers into a strong point for the Illini.
The starters look like Big Ten linebackers. It starts in the middle with Dele Harding.