Who’s starting: Joe Spencer (center), Nick Allegretti and Gabe Megginson (guards), Christian DiLauro and Austin Schmidt (tackles). That’s three returning starters for new/old offensive line coach Luke Butkus, who worked with the veterans in his one year on Tim Beckman’s staff in 2012.
Who else to watch: Adam Solomon and Connor Brennan. Finding quality backups is a mission for Lovie Smith’s offensive staff during training camp. Even the first-year freshmen will get long looks. Of all the positions on the team, the line is the place the Illini can least afford to lose a starter to injury.