The Illinois offense carries obvious marketing appeal with star-power players like quarterback Juice Williams and receiver Arrelious Benn.
But the rather anonymous offensive line might determine whether the Illini are a five-star unit this season.
With three starters back they have the necessary experience, even though they may be viewed as the question mark of the offense with only one of them remaining in the same position as last season.
“Everyone has critics,” said left tackle Jeff Allen, a sophomore from King. “We just have to come show them what we can do.”
New offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, who joined the team from Houston, has emphasized technique for the unit that allowed 25 sacks last season, sixth in the Big Ten. on practices].
Despite the experience, the line is adjusting to new positions and some new members.
“When you watch on TV, you don’t think much is going on, but we’re talking the whole time,” senior center Eric Block said.
Right guard Jon Asamoah is the only lineman staying put.The Park Forest native, who’s a candidate for the Outland Trophy, has missed practices at Rantoul’s training camp and since returning to Champaign due to a sinus infection.
Block slid from left guard to center, which he said is a more natural fit for him. Allen, who started nine games as a freshman last season, moved from right to left tackle. Randall Hunt is expected to start at left guard and either Corey Lewis or Ryan Palmer could start at right tackle.
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sryan@tribune.com
