-- The Illinois offense carries obvious marketing appeal with star-power players like quarterback Juice Williams and receiver Arrelious Benn.
But the rather anonymous offensive line might determine whether the Illini are a five-star unit this season.
With three starters back they have the necessary experience, even though they may be viewed as the question mark of the offense with only one of them remaining in the same position as last season.
"Everyone has critics," said left tackle Jeff Allen, a sophomore from King High in Chicago. "We just have to come show them what we can do."
New offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, who joined the team from Houston, has emphasized technique for the unit that allowed 25 sacks last season, sixth in the Big Ten.
The player who has the best idea of how the offensive line is handling the pressure said they're doing just fine.
"Those guys are doing a great job," Williams said. "There's not many times I've been sacked [in preseason practices]."
Despite the experience, the line is adjusting to new positions and some new members.
"When you watch on TV, you don't think much is going on, but we're talking the whole time," senior center Eric Block said. "This is a new unit and we had to rebuild our communication."
Right guard Jon Asamoah is the only lineman staying put. He has started every game the last two seasons and should provide the Illini with some stability.
Asamoah, a Park Forest native who's a candidate for the Outland Trophy, has missed practices at Rantoul's training camp and since returning to Champaign due to a sinus infection.
Block slid from left guard to center, which he said is a more natural fit for him.
Allen, who started nine games as a freshman last season, moved from right to left tackle.
Randall Hunt is expected to start at left guard and either Corey Lewis or Ryan Palmer could start at right tackle.
As far as a message for the critics?
"We've come a long way," Block said, "and we look good."
But the rather anonymous offensive line might determine whether the Illini are a five-star unit this season.
With three starters back they have the necessary experience, even though they may be viewed as the question mark of the offense with only one of them remaining in the same position as last season.
"Everyone has critics," said left tackle Jeff Allen, a sophomore from King High in Chicago. "We just have to come show them what we can do."
New offensive line coach Joe Gilbert, who joined the team from Houston, has emphasized technique for the unit that allowed 25 sacks last season, sixth in the Big Ten.
The player who has the best idea of how the offensive line is handling the pressure said they're doing just fine.
"Those guys are doing a great job," Williams said. "There's not many times I've been sacked [in preseason practices]."
Despite the experience, the line is adjusting to new positions and some new members.
"When you watch on TV, you don't think much is going on, but we're talking the whole time," senior center Eric Block said. "This is a new unit and we had to rebuild our communication."
Right guard Jon Asamoah is the only lineman staying put. He has started every game the last two seasons and should provide the Illini with some stability.
Asamoah, a Park Forest native who's a candidate for the Outland Trophy, has missed practices at Rantoul's training camp and since returning to Champaign due to a sinus infection.
Block slid from left guard to center, which he said is a more natural fit for him.
Allen, who started nine games as a freshman last season, moved from right to left tackle.
Randall Hunt is expected to start at left guard and either Corey Lewis or Ryan Palmer could start at right tackle.
As far as a message for the critics?
"We've come a long way," Block said, "and we look good."
