OT future bright with Lewis, Allen

Offensive tackle is not supposed to be a position that favors youth. Offensive linemen need time in the weight room, and time to learn the intricacies of blocking. But Illinois is finding playing time for a pair of true freshman tackles, and that should pay dividends in the coming years. Jeff Allen, from Chicago King HS, has been starting at right tackle because of Ryan Palmer’s injury, and Corey Lewis, from Cresco, PA, is seeing time behind left tackle Xavier Fulton. “We joked with Corey that he turned 18, so we thought he was old enough,” coach Ron Zook said.