For the 2016 Illinois football team, the hay is in the barn (Midwest term).
Wes Lunt will be the quarterback and Ke’Shawn Vaughn the running back. The defensive line is loaded with potential, and the offensive line is solid. Linebacker just got a lot better with the spring acquisition of Hardy Nickerson — the player and the coach.
Other than the return of receiver Mikey Dudek, there are few unknowns for Illinois this season.
New coach Lovie Smith and staff take on a loaded schedule (five Big Ten road games, nine bowl teams) with 24 seniors.