CHAMPAIGN – The second time around seems much less stressful for Vederian Lowe, the Rockford native who trimmed down, added muscle and looks like a match for the new offense under coordinator Rod Smith.

By cutting 30 pounds and adding upper body strength, Lowe is a star on the offensive line, which is considered the top position group in Illini spring drills.

“I’m feeling a lot different,’’ Lowe said. “Last year, I came in as a freshman. I started off an injury. This year, getting spring ball workouts under my feet, I’m learning a new offense with the rest of the guys. Everybody is picking up the offense. Everything is smooth.’’

There are plenty of things to stress about as Lovie Smith enters his third year as Illinois coach. With just five wins in his first two seasons, this is a pivotal season. Yet he filled a desperate search for a fifth-year quarterback with A.J. Bush, a seldom-used QB who was a reserve at Nebraska and Virginia Tech before committing to play with the Illini.

The defense has holes to fill, and there are several players who won’t practice this spring because of various issues.

“There is a good vibe,’’ Lovie said. “This is my third time around, there’s a different feeling, and rightfully so. Third year in the program, it should be that way.’’

Of course, vibe is a little immeasurable when it comes to stats and wins, but there’s the feeling the Illini are growing up in the trenches, especially along the offensive line. This Illini offensive line looks the part as much as any group in years. It has size, length and athleticism. Of course, staying healthy is a key, because Illinois still doesn’t have much depth.

Since Smith arrived, He’s successful recruited a different kind of offensive linemen. These guys are legitimate Big Ten Conference offensive linemen. To be fair, they’re probably still a year away, but this position group is moving in the right direction. It’s also the strength of this team.

“Experience should help them a lot,’’ Lovie said. “Second time around, they know what to expect. Those 15 or so freshmen who started and 20 who played, it’s a new situation, but they know a little bit more of what to expect. They had a little time in the offseason of lifting and adjusting to college life a little better.’’

With the up-tempo spread offense installed by Rod Smith, the linemen who can move fit the system best, and the returning players look leaner and quicker this spring. There’s less baby fat on the youngster linemen. They were rookies last year who didn’t get much time in the Illini weight room before forcing themselves into the lineup last fall. Recruited to play a power running game, these young Illini linemen have worked to transform their bodies and look like they fit the spread.

Thus far, Lowe has stood out. He cut weight and began molding his body. At this point, Lowe is the starter at right tackle. Sophomore Jake Cerny also enjoyed strong offseason, and he’s ahead of touted St Louis product Larry Boyd at left tackle. Sophomore Alex Palczewski can really move well and has great length. He starts at left guard. Senior Nick Allegretti is the veteran leader at right guard. Sophomore Doug Kramer returns as the starting center. Freshman Reuben Unije, an early enrollee, is another long athlete who looks the part.

Essentially, this is the same group that finished last season as the starting lineup.

“The chemistry that we have hasn’t been ruined or manipulated by any means,’’ Lowe said. “We’re trying to build on what we had last year. With spring ball, we have more time to get the ball rolling.’’

The young bloods also get a chance to learn a new offense with the rest of the roster. It’s a no-huddle, up-tempo offense, and these linemen like the thought of that.

“It’s a completely different feel,’’ Cerny said. “It’s no huddle, and we’re up on the ball all the time. It’s go, go go. We want to keep them on their heels. It’s let us catch them on the heels and make big plays.’’

But, to be honest, there’s no breaking the atom any more. It’s all been done. When you talk about a new offense, it’s still football. Pace, terminology and a little bit priority in run or pass. But football is football.

“The more offense I run, you that learn that a lot of plays are similar,’’ Allegretti said. “Terminology and tempo. An inside zone is an inside zone. A gap scheme run is a game scheme run. It’s what you call it. It’s nothing we haven’t done. We’ll be fine with it.’’

But for a bunch of guys throw into the mix shortly after their arrival on campus last summer, spring drills offer a chance to improve without the concern of a game on the following weekend.

“Spring ball is different than the season,’’ Lowe said. “We use this time to develop the plays, learn the plays. We see what works and what doesn’t work, and we get the right people to the right spots.’’

The Illini appear to have the right players in the right spots along the offensive line. That should be a good feeling for Illini fans, even if there’s concern at quarterback, the unending search for playmakers and a defense still trying to make a few stops, not to mention the sidelining of touted sophomores Louis Dorsey and Isaiah Gay during the spring season for “personal reasons.’’

Hey, it’s spring ball. Let’s just enjoy watching this group of linemen grow into an honest-to-goodness Big Ten line.

John Supinie is a columnist for Orangeandbluenews.com. During the day, he’s an Audi Brand Specialist at Green Audi in Springfield. Call or text him at 217-377-1977 if you’re looking for an Audi, Volkswagen, Toyota or preowned car. Ask for the Illini deal.