Spring ball is underway in Champaign and Illinois is hoping to build off last year’s 4-8 season and push for a potential bowl berth in 2019.

Illinois enters the spring season with some deficiencies at certain positions, primarily at wide receiver and on the offensive line. In an attempt to counter a lack of depth at those spots, Lovie Smith is making some position changes, at least temporarily.

According to Jeremy Werner of the Illini Inquirer, there were two moves that stood out: Kendall Smith has been moved from safety to wide receiver and Julian Pearl is making a transition from defensive line to offensive line.

Smith came to Illinois as a receiver initially and practiced at the position in 2017. But he made the shift to safety before last season. In his first two seasons, Smith has primarily seen action on special teams and has registered 10 tackles and a forced fumble, but with depth issues at wide receiver, he could step into an important role.

Pearl will jump to the offensive side of the ball to help provide depth on the front line. The defensive line has plenty of pieces and this could allow Pearl to have a more significant impact, should the Illini choose to keep him up front.

Illinois started spring practice on Tuesday.