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COLLIN CALLS IT

Illinois Fighting Illini Athletics Insight

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Column: Key Illinois Football Players Affected by Big Ten Cancellation

Just one week after releasing the schedule for the 2020-2021 season, the Big Ten Conference announced it will be cancelling its fall football season. The Big Ten, however, did not rule out the possibility of a spring season.


The 2020-2021 Illinois football team includes some possible 2021 NFL draft prospects. Considering the possibility of those prospects playing a 16-game NFL rookie season later in the calendar year, would it be wise to play a spring college season?


These Illini prospects could be rewarded by raising their draft stocks with breakout years, but with that comes the risk of an injury.


Here is a look at some key Illini who could be affected by the cancellation of the fall football season.


Senior quarterback Brandon Peters

The 6-foot-5 220-pound senior quarterback has all the potential for a breakout senior season. The Indiana native has a plethora of weapons that include an experienced veteran offensive-line, key returning receivers, and key transfer tight-ends.


Whether or not there is a spring season, Peters intends on playing one more year with the Illini. According to a tweet by @matthewcstevens, Peters' father told Illini News "if they have (college) football in the spring or the following fall, he (Brandon Peters) will play".


Senior wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe

As a redshirt junior, Imatorbhebhe was Illinois' leading receiver in 2019. According to the football team's website, the receiver finished second in Illini history in touchdown receptions in a single season (9), only behind David Williams ('85) and Brandon Lloyd ('01), who both hold the record with 10 TD receptions.


Imatorbhebhe also received preseason recognition, being named to the Athlon preseason All-Big Ten Fourth Team.


With a return, Imatorbhebhe gets the opportunity to raise his draft stock and play alongside his brother, transfer tight-end Daniel Imatorbhebhe.


Senior linebacker Jake Hansen

Hansen received much 2020 preseason love, and rightfully so. The senior linebacker was named to the Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten second team, the Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten third team, the Bednarik Award watch list, the Butkus Award watch list, and the Nagurski Award watch list this off-season.


As a junior, Hansen finished third on the Illini in tackles. The then-junior linebacker was the nation's leader in forced fumbles (7) and forced fumbles per game in 2019 (0.78), according to the team's website.


If Hansen returns to the Illini for another season, the linebacker would receive the opportunity to play next to fellow senior linebacker Milo Eifler to lead an experienced Lovie Smith defense.


Senior offensive tackle Alex Palczewski

The senior offensive lineman has received high recognition during the 2020 off-season, being named to the Phil Steele all-Big Ten third team and the Athlon Preseason All-Big Ten third team. Palczewski is also included on the Outland Trophy watch list, which is awarded to the nation's best interior offensive lineman.


In 2019, Palczewski started all 13 games at right tackle and was named to the coaches All-Big Ten third team. The then-junior lineman was also named an All-Big Ten honorable mention for the media.


With a return, Palczewski would be apart of a veteran OL group and an offense full of key returning weapons.


Other key Illini who could be affected by the fall cancellation include: DB Nate Hobbs, OL Vederian Lowe, TE Luke Ford, OL Kendrick Green, and LB Milo Eifler.


Don't expect players to make any final decisions until the Big Ten releases more information in regards to a spring season.

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