Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

[Groundhogday]

Originally Posted by RyanK

You're right. Technically not "downstate", but I was referring to players south of Chicago.

Originally Posted by IlliniKat91

I freely admit as someone born and raised in Chicagoland, if there is a serious amount of corn or livestock within a 15 minute drive of your home, I consider your area rural. For a lot of people in this area, rural = downstate. Just the bias of living near a major city.

I consider anything south of Chicago to be downstate, starting with Joliet, and truth be told I often stretch that language to mean any location outside of the greater Chicago area.

[Paignt It Orange]

Originally Posted by IlliniGuy

It's ok. Just a pet peeve of mine. The worst is when schools west or northwest of chicago are called downstate.

I hate that too. Chicago is North, Springfield is Central, Carbondale is South. Nothing is downstate unless it is south of Springfield.

[Paignt It Orange]

Originally Posted by Groundhogday

I consider anything south of Chicago to be downstate, starting with Joliet, and truth be told I often stretch that language to mean any location outside of the greater Chicago area.

GHD you are way off. That is not downstate. Is it down from Chicago? Yes, but not downstate.

[PeoriaChief]

Originally Posted by RHITIllini

Latest Treadwell Tweet:

Kendrick Foster And Aaron Bailey Some Cool Dudes Shout Out To Them University Of Illinois Commits, Home State Hero? But Cool Dudes Overal.

I don't take that as a positive at all (bolder part.)

[JIllini79]

Originally Posted by Illini125

I couldn't figure it out either.

It does mean he's paying attention to what's happening here though, and that's a good sign.

Does anyone know where Treadwell is said to be leaning toward? Same Pocic? Do we even have a shot at those two?

[Clemens]

Originally Posted by IlliniGuy

Augusta is from Peoria.

to some people, like those of us who had a grandmother who loved game shows, come on down derives from this

h

[Thacher_H_Guild]

Originally Posted by Paignt It Orange

GHD you are way off. That is not downstate. Is it down from Chicago? Yes, but not downstate.

According to the wisdom of the crowd (as captured by wikipedia), downstate is everyone in Illinois not in Chicago or the collar counties:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downstate_Illinois

Downstate Illinois refers to all of Illinois outside of the Chicago metropolitan area. This term is flexible, but because it is generally meant to refer to everything outside the Chicago-area, some cities in Northern Illinois, such as Rockford[1][2][3] and DeKalb,[4][5][6] (which are north and west of Chicago, respectively), are considered to be "downstate".[7][8]

Also, the state legislature uses the term in this way. For example, the Illinois State Democrats Downstate Caucus has a member from Marengo.

http://www.housedem.state.il.us/cons.../downstate.htm

(In case you are not familiar with the geography of Northern Illinois, Marengo is mostly west of Chicago, but also north of it.)

Essentially, the term "downstate" does not refer to down on the map and more than "downtown" refers to the southern part of a city.

[quhawks12]

Originally Posted by Illini125

It does mean he's paying attention to what's happening here though, and that's a good sign.

\

THIS.

[quhawks12]

Originally Posted by JIllini79

Does anyone know where Treadwell is said to be leaning toward? Same Pocic? Do we even have a shot at those two?

Treadwell has about 4 or 5 schools thinking they are the leader. I've seen a bunch of Michigan people who think they lead as well as Oklahoma and some Illini fans.

[Ramrod2010]

Originally Posted by Thacher_H_Guild

According to the wisdom of the crowd (as captured by wikipedia), downstate is everyone in Illinois not in Chicago or the collar counties:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downstate_Illinois



Also, the state legislature uses the term in this way. For example, the Illinois State Democrats Downstate Caucus has a member from Marengo.

http://www.housedem.state.il.us/cons.../downstate.htm

(In case you are not familiar with the geography of Northern Illinois, Marengo is mostly west of Chicago, but also north of it.)

Essentially, the term "downstate" does not refer to down on the map and more than "downtown" refers to the southern part of a city.

What Illinois really is

What Chicagoans think... (Pro-tip: Iowa = Corn, corn, corn, corn, etc.)

[Ramrod2010]

Originally Posted by quhawks12

Treadwell has about 4 or 5 schools thinking they are the leader. I've seen a bunch of Michigan people who think they lead as well as Oklahoma and some Illini fans.

So when a scenario like this pops up would that suggest that nobody is really "in the lead" or at least by a very wide margin?

[ebakola]

Originally Posted by PeoriaChief

I don't take that as a positive at all (bolder part.)

Why? You sense some snark in the comment? I think he's really enjoying the courtships, but Treadwell could still see himself here. Projection, but I think Treadwell commits.

On another note, I think the Draft was a nice boost in the arm for the program (and a pleasant surprise for fans/alumni). Despite our mediocre record over the past few years, there's quality coming through the program... and the pros know this. Makes the staff's recruiting a little easier, hopefully.

[quhawks12]

Originally Posted by illiniobserver22

At first I thought he looked slow and out of shape...after a couple minutes of watching I was sold. He's an absolute wrecking ball. So strong, so quick, so much momentum. The best highlight is at 1:59 when he gets into the backfield in the middle of the handoff and he just grabs and tackles both guys. That displayed some huge ability.

I also thought he looked very well coached. Made a number of fundamentally sound plays, showed some good pass rush moves.

He may be a good redshirt candidate as he needs to work a lot on his conditioning to be able to play hard on every play. However, I think he could also be a part time run-stopping specialist as a freshman if we need someone in that role.

Long term, I think he's a great fit alongside Vontrell and Teko from the 2012 class who are more 3-technique players, while Merrick is definitely a nose tackle candidate. The heir apparent to Akeem Spence (with Jake Howe bridging the gap).

Nice post/summary. A few things I really agree with in your post: 1. He does look VERY well coached which is great for us. 2. He MIGHT be a redshirt category although I don't believe so I think he might be a kid who gets as much out of some reps on the field as he would redshirting but that is going to be based on how Teko, Howe, Teitsma and Vontrell progress. 3. He will be a GREAT fit alongside Vontrell and Teko.

Kid is definitely a nose and can be a serious run stuffer.

[quhawks12]

Originally Posted by Ramrod2010

So when a scenario like this pops up would that suggest that nobody is really "in the lead" or at least by a very wide margin?

Not sure? I would say that the kid is actually playing his actual leaders close to his vest. While putting the rest of this up as a smoke screen. But, I don't know him so I really have no idea.

[BigStan97]

Treadwell would be an amazing get...but then again so was Bailey so i dn if its out of the realm that we can't land him but if we don't.....

we need to look elsewhere....Kwamane Bowens WR from VA, Corey Cooper WR NC, Wesley Thomas WR IN, Corey Winfield WR MO, Kyle Querio WR NJ

[midastouch11]

Originally Posted by BigStan97

Treadwell would be an amazing get...but then again so was Bailey so i dn if its out of the realm that we can't land him but if we don't.....

we need to look elsewhere....Kwamane Bowens WR from VA, Corey Cooper WR NC, Wesley Thomas WR IN, Corey Winfield WR MO, Kyle Querio WR NJ

Kyle Querio isn't a wide receiver - he is an excellent safety prospect, but doesn't play wide receiver.

[BigStan97]

Originally Posted by midastouch11

Kyle Querio isn't a wide receiver - he is an excellent safety prospect, but doesn't play wide receiver.

gotcha was just going off what scout said thats all

[mhuml32]

Very little love so far for Merrick Jackson committing yesterday on this thread. Very glad we snagged him and could even see him playing next year with the lack of depth at defensive tackle.

[midastouch11]

Originally Posted by BigStan97

gotcha was just going off what scout said thats all

Ha, its ok, his teammate is a good wr prospect, and it wouldn't be bad to be the first big offer to pop.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/footbal...-Tsimis-129315

[BigStan97]

Jackson will definitely have a chance to come in a compete for some playing time...

Spence could declare for draft and foster will graduate

that leaves us with Howe Teitsma, Williams, Powell

and as of right now Jackson coming in.....good opportunity for him to get early PT in a rotation with Williams and Powell and Howe....Teitsma i feel like he's a glorified backup...but just big enough to make an impact

[quhawks12]

Originally Posted by mhuml32

Very little love so far for Merrick Jackson committing yesterday on this thread. Very glad we snagged him and could even see him playing next year with the lack of depth at defensive tackle.

Slow time on the board. But those that are on here consistently are definitely excited for Merrick's commitment! Great get for this staff!

[Groundhogday]

Originally Posted by Thacher_H_Guild

According to the wisdom of the crowd (as captured by wikipedia), downstate is everyone in Illinois not in Chicago or the collar counties:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downstate_Illinois



Also, the state legislature uses the term in this way. For example, the Illinois State Democrats Downstate Caucus has a member from Marengo.

http://www.housedem.state.il.us/cons.../downstate.htm

(In case you are not familiar with the geography of Northern Illinois, Marengo is mostly west of Chicago, but also north of it.)

Essentially, the term "downstate" does not refer to down on the map and more than "downtown" refers to the southern part of a city.

Good to see I'm not alone.

[BigStan97]

Originally Posted by midastouch11

Ha, its ok, his teammate is a good wr prospect, and it wouldn't be bad to be the first big offer to pop.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/footbal...-Tsimis-129315

from his stats last year he had a pretty solid year...

i just wish there were more impact players at the wr position that we were looking at...

impact player i mean big time recruit....theres Treadwell and James Quick from KY and thats it....i hope some other solid wrs that we haven't heard much from to help bailey and our offense

[BigStan97]

Originally Posted by quhawks12

Slow time on the board. But those that are on here consistently are definitely excited for Merrick's commitment! Great get for this staff!

just think if we can sway Augusta to pair up with Jackson Powell and Williams.....would be a great 4 guy rotation at the DT spot

yes i feel like Augusta 6'5 275lbs will easily grow into a 3Tech DT but also is athletic enough to play some DE in certain run situations

we are getting some big bodies to go up front...love it

[mhuml32]

QB:
Aaron Bailey (IL - )
Tra'von Chapman (OH - )
Jarrett Solomon (NV - )
Cord Sandberg (FL - )
Devante Kincade (TX - )
Chavas Rawlins (PA - )
Joshua Dobbs (GA - )
Anthony Jennings (GA - )
Marcus Ball (OH)


RB:
Kendrick Foster (IL - )
Ty Isaac (IL - )
Derrick Green (VA - )
Taquan Mizzell (VA - )
Ryan Green (FL - )
Tarean Folston (FL - )
Adam Taylor (TX - )
Aregeros Turner (OH - )
Quinten James (GA - )
Godwin Igwebuike (OH - )

WR:
Robert Foster (PA - )
Laquon Treadwell (IL - )
Shelton Gibson (OH - )
Jordan Cunningham (FL - )
Alvin Bailey (FL - )
Marcell Ateman (TX - )
Ra'Shaad Samples (TX - )
James Quick (KY - )
Corey Cooper (NC - )
Zach Bradshaw (MD - )
Wesley Thomas (IN - )
Kwamane Bowens (VA - )
Tyler Boyd (PA - )

TE:
DeSean Smith (LA - )

OT:
Christian DiLauro (OH - )
Jesse Chadwell (MI)
Laremy Tunsil (FL - )
Ethan Pocic (IL - )
Derwin Gray (DC - )
Denver Kirkland (FL - )
Richy Klepal (FL - )
Kenny Lacy (AZ - ) NEW OFFER
Jake Campos (IA - ) NEW OFFER
Jack Keeler (IL - )
Kendall Moore (IL - )
Kyle Meadows (OH - )
Hayden Biegel (WI - )
Dennis Finley (MI)

OG:
Lovell Peterson (OH - )
Joe Fennell (FL - )
Zach Hannon (MO - )

Center:
Bobby Billingsley (TN - )

DE:
Joey Bosa (FL - )
Eddie Vanderdoes (CA - )
Jordan Sherit (FL - )
Joe Mathis (CA - )
Elijah Daniel (IN - )
Jason Hatcher (KY -)
Josh Augusta (IL - )
Torrodney Prevot (TX - )
Devin Washington (FL - )
Jamone Boyd (MO - )
Matt Miller (OH - )
Landon Stokes (FL - )
Ruben Dunbar (IL - )
Jarrod Clements (OH - )
Alec James (WI - ) NEW OFFER
Mark Wilson (VA)

DT:
Merrick Jackson (IL - )
Donovan Munger (OH - )
Kenton Gibbs (MI - )
Scott Pagano (HI - )
Herbert Moore (TN - )
Ben Bradley (KS - CC)

LB:
Jaylon Smith (IN - )
Larenz Bryant (NC - )
Tim Kimbrough (IN - )
Darrien Howard (OH - )
Yannick Kgakoue (DC - )
Reggis Chevis (TX - )
Michael Deeb (FL - )
Skai Moore (FL - )
Brooks Ellis (AR - )
Jeremy Benjamin (FL - )
Eric Beisel (MO - )
Hodari Christian (PA - )
Treyvon Williams (FL)

CB:
Dillan Cazley (IL - )
Vernon Hargreaves III (FL - )
William Likely (FL - )
Darius Mosely (IL - )
Darian Hicks (OH - )
Tyler Head (GA - )
Reon Dawson (OH - )
Cameron Luper (AL - )
Brandon Facyson (GA - ) NEW OFFER
De'Andre Simmons (FL)
Ricky Frasier (GA) NEW OFFER

S:
Leon McQuay III (FL - )
Kameron Miles (TX - )
Malik Rucker (MN - )
Jalen Banks (IL - )
George Baltimore (TX - ) NEW OFFER
Cortez Leonard (GA - ) NEW OFFER
Darwyn Kelly (DC)

ATH:
Caleb Day (OH -
Ronald Lewis (LA - )
Delando Johnson (MD - )
Charles Williams (FL - )
Christopher Worley (OH - )
Darron Lee (OH - )
Kyle Queiro (NJ - )
Dalyn Dawkins (KY - ) NEW OFFER
Delton Williams (PA - ) NEW OFFER

Players offered by Illinois that committed elsewhere since the last update:
John Kenny - Iowa
Colin Goebel - Iowa
Antonio Allen - Ole Miss
Courtney Love - Nebraska
James Onwualu - Notre Dame
Joey Bosa - Ohio State
Dan Samuelson - Pittsburgh
Zack Jones - Virginia
Bucky Hodges - Virginia Tech
Rob Wheelwright - Wisconsin
Chikwe Obasih - Wisconsin