Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

quhawks12 · Jan 25, 2013, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhogday

Playing hurt and being jerked all over the line. Pocic at RT?

But regardless, there isn't a lot of proven talent returning on the OL.

Yes being jerked all over the line did not help. But he was not good...at any spot. Actually I think he was worst at C towards the end of the season than any of the other OL.

The 5 OL that played most the time last year I would have probably ranked based solely on in-game performance:

1. Thornton
2. Karras
3. Simon C
4. Pocic
5. Heitz/Hill

quhawks12 · Jan 25, 2013, 07:17 AM

The other key with this OL I feel is playing together. Knowing how to help the guys around you as well as take care of your responsibilities. If you remember last year if any team ran a DL stunt it was a sack. Because we simply did not know how to pass a guy off and take on the guy that came back to us. We chased and lunged nearly ever play.

So to me step one is having the OL play as a cohesive group. UNDERSTAND the playbook inside and out. Playing as a group.

Calilama · Jan 25, 2013, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quhawks12

The other key with this OL I feel is playing together. Knowing how to help the guys around you as well as take care of your responsibilities. If you remember last year if any team ran a DL stunt it was a sack. Because we simply did not know how to pass a guy off and take on the guy that came back to us. We chased and lunged nearly ever play.

So to me step one is having the OL play as a cohesive group. UNDERSTAND the playbook inside and out. Playing as a group.

Agree with this...whatever the new staff settles on as a blocking scheme will require a total buy in and serious repetition...however, no amount of cohesion can help what I saw out of Simon C and Heitz with edge rushers..the only guy they passed off the defensive end to was our quarterback...which might be why Pocic ended up at OT

Will be interested to see where and if Thornton and Pocic get drafted

Calilama · Jan 25, 2013, 07:39 AM

Also just hated how Pocic telegraphed the snap count in the shotgun by locking out his legs and sticking his butt up in the air until he was ready to snap...just never understood why he didn't remain in his crouch so the D couldn't key on him and really tee off

calibear · Jan 25, 2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quhawks12

Yes being jerked all over the line did not help. But he was not good...at any spot. Actually I think he was worst at C towards the end of the season than any of the other OL.

The 5 OL that played most the time last year I would have probably ranked based solely on in-game performance:

1. Thornton
2. Karras
3. Simon C
4. Pocic
5. Heitz/Hill

Sounds about right.
Along wiith the schemes and blocking assignments was the problem moving the players in and out (alot because of injuries) and along the line to a different position. They never had a chance to gain and continuity or recognition of what the guys beside them tendencies , thus allowing said player to move accordingly. Your dance partner never knowing what you would do in ballroom dancing.

ILLiniJoe32390 · Jan 25, 2013, 01:39 PM

So does anyone think we pick up a commit from a 2014 this weekend?

Groundhogday · Jan 25, 2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calibear

Sounds about right.
Along wiith the schemes and blocking assignments was the problem moving the players in and out (alot because of injuries) and along the line to a different position. They never had a chance to gain and continuity or recognition of what the guys beside them tendencies , thus allowing said player to move accordingly. Your dance partner never knowing what you would do in ballroom dancing.

Another thing to consider is that developing offensive linemen and an offensive line (as a unit) is a multi-year undertaking. I have to believe that Gilbert did a terrible job of laying the foundation for this unit.

illinidarrin · Jan 25, 2013, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLiniJoe32390

So does anyone think we pick up a commit from a 2014 this weekend?

I kinda doubt it. We usually dont get early commitments like that.

quhawks12 · Jan 25, 2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILLiniJoe32390

So does anyone think we pick up a commit from a 2014 this weekend?

Don't think so. But I wouldn't be surprised if we did. I think we'll have 2 or 3 by the end of February.

calibear · Jan 25, 2013, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhogday

Another thing to consider is that developing offensive linemen and an offensive line (as a unit) is a multi-year undertaking. I have to believe that Gilbert did a terrible job of laying the foundation for this unit.

Thou I have repeatedly asked if we could land another olineman particularly a jc unlike many others I like the potential of a number underclassmen. Two problems with that. First unproven goes hand in hand with potential second finding the right combination then have them drill in their sleep. Keeping them at said position.,

calibear · Jan 25, 2013, 04:26 PM

Unlike last this year next class is very likely to be slow out of the gate in terms of commitments. Remember other staffs are going to be on the express train of 'your coaches are going to be gone by next year'.

uofi09 · Jan 25, 2013, 06:12 PM

'14 recruit Mikale Wilbon said on twitter that he hopes that the illini offers Aaron Roberts. Does this is mean Wilbon favors Illinois if he wants Illinois to someone?

Here is Roberts' twitter. It is like the 14th or 15th one down? I don't know how to show just the one tweet that I am talking about?
https://twitter.com/D1_Roberts

RyanK · Jan 25, 2013, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uofi09

'14 recruit Mikale Wilbon said on twitter that he hopes that the illini offers Aaron Roberts. Does this is mean Wilbon favors Illinois if he wants Illinois to someone?

Here is Roberts' twitter. It is like the 14th or 15th one down? I don't know how to show just the one tweet that I am talking about?
https://twitter.com/D1_Roberts

Probably just means he hopes his teammate gets his first offer at junior day.

Here's the tweet:

Quote:

@BornReady5_ATG: I hope #Illini offer my big fella @D1_Roberts #BeenWorkingHard #HeNeedThat

Juice · Jan 25, 2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanK

Probably just means he hopes his teammate gets his first offer at junior day.

Here's the tweet:

Kinda sounds like Wilbon favors Illinois too to me.

RyanK · Jan 25, 2013, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juice

Kinda sounds like Wilbon favors Illinois too to me.

Not sure how you guys are getting that from that tweet?

RHITIllini · Jan 25, 2013, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyanK

Not sure how you guys are getting that from that tweet?

Some wishful thinkers on this board.

PaytonHighstep · Jan 26, 2013, 06:25 AM

I take the tweet at face value. It sounds like he is pulling for his friend to get an offer at the next event he goes to, which happens to be the illini jr. day and the state school.

CUWPC · Jan 26, 2013, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uofi09

'14 recruit Mikale Wilbon said on twitter that he hopes that the illini offers Aaron Roberts. Does this is mean Wilbon favors Illinois if he wants Illinois to someone?

Here is Roberts' twitter. It is like the 14th or 15th one down? I don't know how to show just the one tweet that I am talking about?
https://twitter.com/D1_Roberts

Might be worth the offer. 6'6 285 plus teammates with Wilbon and Jamarco Jones.

Juice · Jan 26, 2013, 11:39 AM

Per Core6 twitter account, 2014 DL Dylan Thompson offered by Illinois

RyanK · Jan 26, 2013, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juice

Per Core6 twitter account, 2014 DL Dylan Thompson offered by Illinois

Good find.

@core6athletes: Hearing Core 6 Athletes Class of 2014 DL Dylan Thompson got #Illinois to offer today. Our Class of 2014 is stacked.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/illinois/foo...mokvErbaw6sJB4

RHITIllini · Jan 26, 2013, 11:56 AM

Thompson is a workout warrior. Kid is really strong and doesn't have much wasted weight

Juice · Jan 26, 2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHITIllini

Thompson is a workout warrior. Kid is really strong and doesn't have much wasted weight

What school does he go to?

Edit: Nevermind. Thanks for the link Ryan.

Holdemall · Jan 26, 2013, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uofi09

'14 recruit Mikale Wilbon said on twitter that he hopes that the illini offers Aaron Roberts. Does this is mean Wilbon favors Illinois if he wants Illinois to someone?

Here is Roberts' twitter. It is like the 14th or 15th one down? I don't know how to show just the one tweet that I am talking about?
https://twitter.com/D1_Roberts

Is Wilbon any relation?

uofi09 · Jan 26, 2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holdemall

Is Wilbon any relation?

to Michael Wilbon, of PTI fame?
I don't think so. I think someone (in this thread, but I can't remember who) had said that there was no relation.

quhawks12 · Jan 26, 2013, 05:24 PM

A Twitter summary of today's junior day:

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
Wheaton Ill. St. Francis junior RB James Butler will call a few new coaches this weekend plus will visit Illinois

Quote:

Jamarco Jones ‏@jjones_73
Michigan, Ohio State and Illinois stopped by today!

Quote:

Steve Wiltfong ‏@SWiltfong247
A stacked junior day at #Illinois today. News & Notes on many of the top prospects attending. http://247sports.com/Article/Area-Ta...ior-Day-113086 … via @247Sports #Illini

Quote:

Jared Shanker ‏@JShankerESPN
Looks like @Reggie_Spearman made it to #Iowa. #Hawkeyes #Illini

Quote:

Core 6 Athletes ‏@core6athletes
Hearing Core 6 Athletes Class of 2014 DL Dylan Thompson got #Illinois to offer today. Our Class of 2014 is stacked.

Quote:

Steve Wiltfong ‏@SWiltfong247
Lombard (IL) Montini Catholic 2014 DL Dylan Thompson confirms #Illinois has offered today at junior day.

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
My evaluation of Montini Catholic junior DL Dylan Thompson, who reported was offered by #Illinois today ($) http://bit.ly/W6YgEp

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
2014 DE Vontae Diggs on Illinois visit? "Yeah I liked it at Illinois.. Overall it was a good visit to Illinois."

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
2015 SHG OT Quinn Oseland also was a no show at #Illinois along with Thornton 2014 DB Tifonte Hunt

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
Both Oseland, Hunt and Thornton WR Jauan Wesley planning to go to the hoops game tomorrow at #Illinois

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
2014 St. Charles North OT Chase Gianacakos on IL? ($) "He (Beckman) talked alot abt recruiting Chicagoland hard."

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
Jacksonville Ill. OL/DL Blake Hance was a last minute scratch today for the #Illinois junior day http://bit.ly/WodfcL will visit tomorrow

Quote:

Ryan Easterling ‏@RyanEasterling
Chicago Mt. Carmel RB Matt Domer offered by #Illinois today

Quote:

Matthew Domer 4⃣ ‏@DreamBIG_4
Got my Illinois Offer today! Truly blessed . I pray they keep rollin in ! Thank you ��

Quote:

EDGYTIM.com ‏@EDGYTIM
Frankfort Ill. Lincoln-Way North ATH Julian Hylton liked what he saw today at #Illinois

Quote:

Tim Beckman ‏@coachbeckman
We had an unbelievable Jr Day!! Thank you to all #FutureFightingIllini for coming today! #ILLININATION #WIN

Jan 25, 2013, 07:17 AM	#9002
quhawks12 Location: Hamilton County, IN Posts: 3,357	The other key with this OL I feel is playing together. Knowing how to help the guys around you as well as take care of your responsibilities. If you remember last year if any team ran a DL stunt it was a sack. Because we simply did not know how to pass a guy off and take on the guy that came back to us. We chased and lunged nearly ever play. So to me step one is having the OL play as a cohesive group. UNDERSTAND the playbook inside and out. Playing as a group.

Jan 25, 2013, 07:39 AM	#9004
Calilama Posts: 691	Also just hated how Pocic telegraphed the snap count in the shotgun by locking out his legs and sticking his butt up in the air until he was ready to snap...just never understood why he didn't remain in his crouch so the D couldn't key on him and really tee off

Jan 25, 2013, 01:39 PM	#9006
ILLiniJoe32390 Posts: 244	So does anyone think we pick up a commit from a 2014 this weekend?

Jan 25, 2013, 04:26 PM	#9011
calibear Posts: 428	Unlike last this year next class is very likely to be slow out of the gate in terms of commitments. Remember other staffs are going to be on the express train of 'your coaches are going to be gone by next year'.

Jan 25, 2013, 06:12 PM	#9012
uofi09 Posts: 328	'14 recruit Mikale Wilbon said on twitter that he hopes that the illini offers Aaron Roberts. Does this is mean Wilbon favors Illinois if he wants Illinois to someone? Here is Roberts' twitter. It is like the 14th or 15th one down? I don't know how to show just the one tweet that I am talking about? https://twitter.com/D1_Roberts

Jan 26, 2013, 06:25 AM	#9017
PaytonHighstep Location: Downers Grove, IL Posts: 271	I take the tweet at face value. It sounds like he is pulling for his friend to get an offer at the next event he goes to, which happens to be the illini jr. day and the state school.

Jan 26, 2013, 11:39 AM	#9019
Juice Posts: 1,540	Per Core6 twitter account, 2014 DL Dylan Thompson offered by Illinois

Jan 26, 2013, 11:56 AM	#9021
RHITIllini Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,751	Thompson is a workout warrior. Kid is really strong and doesn't have much wasted weight