Orange and Blue News breaks down defensive lineman Keith Randolph, our No. 4 most important Illini for 2022.

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ILLINI FOOTBALL 2022 PREVIEW SERIES

POSITION PREVIEWS: Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Offensive line | Tight end | Defensive line | Outside linebacker | Linebacker | Defensive back | Special teams

TOP 25 ILLINI FOR 2022: 1 | 2| 2| 3| 4| 5 | 6-10 | 11-15 | 16-20 | 21-25

MORE: Projected offensive depth chart | Illini have much to prove in Bielema's second year

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4. Keith Randolph, Soph., defensive lineman

2021 Stats: 42 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 4.0 sacks, one interception, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble

Keith Randolph enters his junior season as a third team preseason All-Big Ten pick by Athlon Sports. He's coming off of a breakout season a year ago, his first as a starter, finishing second on the team in sacks. Randolph has a chance to take another big leap forward this fall.

With Rod Perry playing out his eligibility, Randolph is the leader up front in the Illini defense. He and Johnny Newton could be one of the top defensive line tandems in the Big Ten. A good offseason in the weight room has Randolph now over 300 pounds, so he could significantly improve on his numbers as a run stuffer and as a bull rusher.

There's not a ton of depth on the defensive line, so the Illini need Randolph to stay healthy. He missed two games last season due to injury. They also need him to make more plays behind the line of scrimmage. He's capable, with an excellent get-off and short bursts of speed in close quarters.

Randolph is just coming into his own. He didn't play football until his junior season at Belleville West, instead focusing on basketball. Along with NBA Draft pick EJ Liddell, he helped lead the Maroons to two consecutive state titles on the hardwood.

25. Kionte Curry. R-Fr. safety

24. Kendall Smith, Sr. safety

23. Brian Hightower. Sr., wide Receiver

22. Alex Pihlstrom, Sr., center

21. Isaiah Adams, Jr., guard

20. Pat Bryant. Soph., wide receiver

19. Tahveon Nicholson, Soph., cornerback

18. Jordyn Slaughter, Jr., guard

17. Luke Ford, Sr., tight end

16. Ezekiel Holmes, Jr. outside linebacker

15. Jartavius Martin, Sr., nickel

14. Casey Washington, Jr., wide receiver

13. Calvin Hart Jr., Jr., linebacker

12. Tarique Barnes, Jr., linebacker

11. Jer'Zhan Newton, Soph., defensive lineman

10. Julian Pearl, Jr., tackle

9. Josh McCray, Soph., running back

8. Seth Coleman, Soph., outside linebacker

7. Alex Palczewski, Sr., tackle

6. Sydney Brown, Sr., safety

5. Devon Witherspoon, Soph., cornerback

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