Youth movement: Underclassmen earn playing time for Illini

CHAMPAIGN – Change just doesn’t happen overnight.

Just ask Cubs fans, who waited 108 years for a World Series title. Even Theo Epstein needed five years to build the Cubs into a big winner. So as Illinois football fans trudge through another football season saying, ‘Wait ‘til next year, or the year after that,’ they know how this rebuilding stuff works.

In recent times, Ron Turner and Ron Zook did it, bringing Illinois from the bottom of the Big Ten toward the top. In the 1980’s, Mike White sparked a rebirth that energized a dormant program.

Now it’s Lovie Smith’s turn to see if he can do the same thing. Lovie took over a program desperately looking for respectability and a long-term answer, and late in the first year it looks like there’s the beginning of a foundation toward the future.

First of all, Lovie shot down a report this week by ESPN contending he is unhappy in Champaign. It’s hard for a proven winner to handle such a season. With such a large buyout, it’s unlikely Lovie would leave for anything but a head coaching job in the NFL. Who knows if he gets another shot at one of those at this point in his career. The real news over the last few months for Lovie is just how far there is to go.

There’s plenty of work on Florida Avenue, perhaps more than even Lovie expected.

“We’ve lost a lot of games,’’ Lovie said. “It’s hard to talk about stand outs right now. We are playing a lot of freshmen, maybe not by choice on some it with injuries. Some of them have earned playing time. It’s not like we are in try-to-play-young-guys mode or anything like that. We’re still playing the players that we feel give us the best opportunity to win.’’

Unfortunately for the Illini, this season unraveled with key injuries, a lack of depth and a shortage of playmakers. If the Illini aren’t already looking to the future, they’re playing the future.

Lovie said he’s just putting the best players out there. It just so happens a large number of them are freshmen. The rebuilding has already begun, even if Lovie doesn’t want to say it.

Expect the youth movement to continue against Michigan State and beyond, as this season winds down.

The Illini started seven freshmen last week against Minnesota, and another five freshmen played significant minutes during the season. For those of us who have been through this before, it’s the first step climbing out of the hole.

They’re called growing pains for a reason.

“Eventually you have to get your first taste of extensive playing time,’’ Lovie said. “What we saw is we had guys who made freshmen mistakes. But we had guys that played with freshmen energy, too. So it’s kind of give and take a little bit. You have to do something first in practice to get opportunity to get playing time, and all these players that started last week have done that.”

Jeff George Jr. is the third quarterback to start this season. Injuries to starter Wes Lunt and backup Chayce Crouch left George on the field, a surprising development for a program hoping for big things from an experienced quarterback. Yet the biggest contribution from freshmen came on defense.

Safety Patrick Nelson is third on the team in tackles with 54. Stanley Green, another freshman, also started at safety against the Gophers.

Jake Hansen started at linebacker. Linebacker Dele’ Harding plus defensive tackles Kenyon Jackson and Jamal Milan also played significant minutes over the last month, another eye-opener considering the preseason pub over the strength of the defensive line. Frank Sumpter also saw time at cornerback.

“At least defensively from what I’ve seen, Stanley Green and Patrick Nelson at safety are doing a great job,’’ said Illini offensive lineman Nick Allegretti. “Dele’ Harding, going against him in practice, he’s one of the most athletic kids I’ve had to block. That’s super promising for the future. We just got to keep building on those types of kids – get them more confidence and more reps.”

Harding looks like the replacement for senior Hardy Nickerson Jr. in the starting lineup next season, thus joining Hansen on the field.

“It’s just a blessing getting a chance to play as a true freshman,’’ Harding said. “When I started the game, it was pretty fast. It was a different tempo the first couple of snaps. The experience alone with the freshmen we have -- we’re a pretty young team – we should be ready to go next year. Of course, we are disappointed with the 2-6 record, but we take it day by day and keep working.”

“I didn’t really know what to expect as freshman,’’ said Green, the safety. “I had big eyes and was just excited to be here as a freshman.. I just did my job and made my plays in practice and tried to show them some bright spots in my game and that I deserved to be on the field. I thought it was time for me to step up. It’s great experience for all the young guys. They bring a physical presence and the mentality we need on our defense. I think next year we should take the next step.”

Running back Reggie Corbin also developed into big-play threat at running back after entering the season as the third choice. His 411 yards rushing rank second behind the 450 yards gained by Kendrick Foster, a junior getting his first playing time. Corbin leads the Illini with 7.8 yards per carry.

“It’s good to see the guys we came in with and the younger guys to just go out there and play and leave it all on the field,’’ Corbin said. “At some point we will break through. And when we do, we have to remember times like this so it never comes back in our lives again.”

Offensive tackle Gabe Megginson earned some playing time and looks like a future starter. Tight end Zarrian Holcombe also earned significant playing time at a position that’s been thin for the Illini for years. Wide receiver Dominic Thieman played before a broken ankle sidelined him for the season.

Assuredly, the Illini could use a big boost during the recruiting season. Among the current commitments, offensive lineman Larry Boyd has the frame an ability to earn playing time immediately. It wouldn’t be a surprise if receivers Carmoni Green and Ricky Smalling also saw their way to the field next season.

Lovie may not have given up on this season, but he’s already playing with the future.

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.