The 88 Illini: #60-#57

Now we are reaching the numbers I think you'll see on the field. Maybe it's only some lineman you'll see on extra points and field goals, but I'm pretty sure these sixty Illini will see action at some point.

I always say that 51 players make up the "two deep" since I chart 12 positions on offense and defense. 48 players make up a true "starter and backup at each position" chart and then there's a kicker, a punter, and a longsnapper. I've already included the longsnapper on this list so once we reach player #50, you'll have nearly the full two-deep.

And then players 51 through 60 are the guys right on the fringe of that. A lot of them will be on kickoff and punt teams. Several will be in the "didn't see much of him in September but by November he was the #2 tight end" category (like Christian Abney last year). And at least one will be something like "can you believe I had James Finley 57th when he ended up starting at nickel?"

To me, discussing these players feels like a "the season is near" moment. I drove by the football facility yesterday and there were two vehicles in the coaches parking lot. The week after the Fourth of July (nation-wide) is Coaches Take Vacation Week. Recruiting enters a dead period, camps are done, and coaches take this week and next week to spend every waking moment with their families because August 1 means "see you in December."

And I feel like my three-times-per-week review of this list (and the subtle adjustments I've made each time) have given me a much better handle on this roster. 57 returnees, 57 newcomers, so it has taken me a long time to get up to speed. But I feel pretty good about the order now? At least until #57 on this list is in the starting lineup on September 3rd.