There is no one who can doubt that more younger players are hitting the field at Illinois than in most schools. An article in the Chicago Tribune at the beginning of training camp crystalized this perfectly when they stated:
Illinois led the nation last season with 28 first-time starters. This year's team again will have plenty of youth, with only nine seniors and 49 freshmen (33 true and 16 redshirt). Only four players have double-digit starts: offensive linemen Christian DiLauro and Nick Allegretti, receiver Malik Turner and cornerback Jaylen Dunlap.
The defensive line, which lost stalwarts Rob Bain, Chunky Clements, Carroll Phillips and Dawuane Smoot after last season, will feature eight freshmen fighting for spots against six upperclassmen.