Beat writer Matt Daniels will offer a look at how position battles are faring for Illinois during training camp. Next up, the secondary:
Who’s back?
Taylor Barton, V’Angelo Bentley, Dillan Cazley, Caleb Day, Jaylen Dunlap, Clayton Fejedelem, Samuel Harlib, Julian Hylton, Chris James, Darwyn Kelly, Davontay Kwaaning, Jevaris Little, Darius Mosely, T.J. Moss, Eaton Spence and Dennis Thurow. Easy to see why this is the most-experienced position group on the team with starters like Bentley, Spence and Barton returning.
Who’s gone?
Sean Arowolaju, Cedric Doxy, Nick North and Zane Petty. Arowolaju was a walk-on in two seasons with the Illini, North is one of a handful of players who made allegations of abuse and mistreatment about the program, Doxy moved to the STAR position and Petty graduated after finishing second on the team last season with 109 tackles at strong safety.