Bob Asmussen | Boom, boom, who's going to spark the Illini?

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CHAMPAIGN — It is officially fireworks season. For the next few days at least, the skies will light up at night in communities across the state and nation. Part of the American experience. We love to blow stuff up (safety first, of course).

Bret Bielema hopes the fireworks extend deep into the 2024 football season.

Who will be lighting the matches for Illinois?

Here are 10 on the current team who have dynamite potential:

1. Kaden Feagin, running back

Give No. 3 the ball with a full head of steam and it looks like he is a bowling ball knocking pins out of the way for a strike. At 6 feet, 3 inches and 250 pounds, Feagin is a large human being. Especially at his position.

The key for Bielema and offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. is to keep the Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond product healthy. If he plays every game this fall for the Illini, he will top 1,000 yards with ease.

2. Zakhari Franklin, wide receiver

By far, the most accomplished player on offense. The former Texas San Antonio standout spent an empty year at Mississippi before making another move.

He is the nation’s active receiving leader, who is looking for a big ending in the Big Ten. That will certainly impress pro scouts.

The 6-1 Franklin is a bigger version of Isaiah Williams, who left for the NFL as one of the best in program history. Can Franklin match Williams’ 2023 numbers (82 catches, 1,055 yards)? If the ball comes his way often enough, absolutely. His numbers were better than that in 2022 and close in 2021 with the Roadrunners. Franklin could be one of the top transfers in school history.

3. Terrance Brooks, defensive back

The Texas transfer is a lock to be in the lineup after starting for the College Football Playoff qualifiers in 2023.

Here is a case where the recent success of Illinois defensive backs in the NFL paid off in the portal. The coaching staff likely mentioned a time — or 100 — that Devon Witherspoon developed with defensive coordinator Aaron Henry as his coach.

Brooks has two years of eligibility, but the guess is he leaves after one if he has the kind of effect expected.

Can’t wait to ask him about life in cool-named Little Elm, Texas.

4. Pat Bryant, wide receiver

He isn’t far behind Franklin, potentially. Bryant caught 43 passes in the Big Ten in 2023 with seven touchdowns. Opposing defenses will be forced to decide which of the top two they want to focus on.

Bryant has an edge on Franklin in terms of familiarity with the system and with quarterback Luke Altmyer, though the summer and training camp will diminish some of the edge.

5. Gabe Jacas, outside linebacker

His sack total was cut in half from his first year to his second. So he is not on his way to passing Simeon Rice’s records. He still has Rice-like qualities when it comes to chasing quarterbacks and heads into 2024 with eight career sacks.

With star tackles Johnny Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. off to the NFL, the coaches might consider using Jacas inside. More likely, they will move him around, which could be problematic for opponents trying to work against the 6-3, 265-pound athlete.

6. Matthew Bailey, defensive back

Like with Feagin, the important part is keeping him on the field after injuries robbed him of 11 games last season.

Bailey’s work ethic and preparation give him a chance to be a special player. Maybe have the impact of Sydney Brown, now playing with the Philadelphia Eagles. Bailey has a few inches on Brown, who piled up a ton of snaps while in C-U.

7. Malik Elzy, receiver

Like a lot of high school receiver hotshots, Elzy found the transition to college difficult.

But the former Chicago Simeon star seemed to get the hang of it in the spring and would surprise nobody if he put together a 50-catch, 800-yard, 10-TD season his second year.

Elzy has the confidence and the athletic ability to become a standout in the Big Ten. His biggest issue might be the guys in front of him on the roster.

8. Dennis Briggs, defensive lineman

The Florida State transfer got rave reviews from his coaches and teammates, who expect major contributions.

A team captain in 2022, he helped the Seminoles to a perfect 2023 regular season. Not his fault the team got snubbed by the CFP selection committee, then saw most of the guys opt out before a blowout loss in the Orange Bowl against Georgia.

9. J.C. Davis, offensive lineman

Must include one of the big guys up front. The New Mexico transfer slides right into a starting spot after 24 starts for the Lobos. He earned All-Mountain West First-Team honors in 2023.

The Californian has the best credentials of the transfer linemen. With his history and experience, the 6-5, 320-pound Davis will likely become one of the leaders of the unit despite his short stay.

10. Luke Altmyer, quarterback

Does he have a 500-yard game in him? That would meet the explosive criteria and there is a recent example at Illinois, thanks to John Paddock last November.

Altmyer has the ability to gain big chunks as a passer and runner. He had 94 carries in 2023, not always by design, and finished with 282 yards. A good sign that he is willing to do whatever the offense needs.

My hunch is the bench time late in the 2023 season helps him with preparation and motivation. He doesn’t want to be sitting again. Ever.