Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

[FT35]

24 seniors (can Caleb Day get a medical redshirt? Played in first two games)

According to this, he qualifies:

http://www.athleticscholarships.net/2012/07/17/how-get-medical-redshirt.htm

- The injury must be incapacitating. That means it must be a season-ending injury.
- The injury must occur prior to the start of the second half of the season.
- The student-athlete must not have competed in more than 30% of the season or three contests, whichever is greater.

Are we at a full 85 scholarships? Maybe we won't over sign if the staff is expecting 5th year transfers to come here, although it's a certainty that guys will transfer from here as well. The staff will have a general feel for who those players are.

 

[Illinimedic]

From the area, as well, chief (Rochester). Pretty underrated ball being played around here, IMO. And yes, RHIT, Chatham Glenwood was the 5A runner up in 2011, I believe.

It's not a big deal but I am not comparing Glenwood's program to SHG or Rochester, obviously they are not there. However, they are a solid 5A team that is usually playing after week 9. That is quite a bit better of a barometer when evaluating Scott's film than him playing the likes of Lincoln, Lanphier, MacArthur. Again, not saying Glenwood's program is on par with Rochester or SHG.

And when I said they were producing D1 athletes I was mainly referring to the recent ones like Daniel Helm and their current offensive lineman, Will Putnam, who is a big time player and is being recruited by everyone. Again, not on the level of Rochester or SHG but still solid.

 

[FiveStar]

According to this, he qualifies:

http://www.athleticscholarships.net/2012/07/17/how-get-medical-redshirt.htm



Are we at a full 85 scholarships? Maybe we won't over sign if the staff is expecting 5th year transfers to come here, although it's a certainty that guys will transfer from here as well. The staff will have a general feel for who those players are.

I've been assuming he will medically redshirt all along.

 

[Second and Chalmers]

I've been assuming he will medically redshirt all along.

Do Lovie and staff still want him? He could get the redshirt and then grad transfer, yeah?

 

[Lord Snow]

Do Lovie and staff still want him? He could get the redshirt and then grad transfer, yeah?

Thats what I was wondering. These current seniors, who obviously arent Lovie's players, have years of learning different coaching and frankly, some bad coaching at that. Thats why I think our current underclassmen have a chance to develop into good players with a few years of coaching from our current staff.

 

[Cubby Blue]

Thats what I was wondering. These current seniors, who obviously arent Lovie's players, have years of learning different coaching and frankly, some bad coaching at that. Thats why I think our current underclassmen have a chance to develop into good players with a few years of coaching from our current staff.

Yeah, but I would think a Caleb Day, even if for just a backup is a pretty good option to have on your roster. Don't get me wrong, there are several seniors that don't make sense, hell, there are some kids in every class that don't make sense. But, I can't believe Caleb Day is one of them.

 

[FiveStar]

Do Lovie and staff still want him? He could get the redshirt and then grad transfer, yeah?

I assumed he would do it to protect himself. Either to play here or somewhere else. Don't know how he fits next year. Might be a full youth movement depending on the class.

 

[Second and Chalmers]

Yeah, but I would think a Caleb Day, even if for just a backup is a pretty good option to have on your roster. Don't get me wrong, there are several seniors that don't make sense, hell, there are some kids in every class that don't make sense. But, I can't believe Caleb Day is one of them.

It's not that I entirely disagree, but let's be honest, that is solely, 100% because of the fourth star on his Rivals profile, not anything he's done on the field in his career here.

 

[uofi09]

Former commit DT Ryan O'Malley to Army
http://www.scout.com/player/206052-ryan-o-malley/recruiting?year=2016&s=73

 

[calibear]

Regarding Day, if I am Lovie I thank him for his service and tell him there will be no available scholarship for him in 2017. Sure you could catch lightening in a bottle, but in 4 years he could not even see the bottle.
Get someone in that the staff can start fresh with.

 

[Shaign]

Curious what people think of our wide receiver commits being able to contribute next year compared to what we have presently. I'd be in favor of finding a JUCO to play opposite Turner if thy could run good routes and get open. Also where has throwing to the tight end gone? Seems we did some of that early but nothing lately.

 

[Lake Camelot]

Curious what people think of our wide receiver commits being able to contribute next year compared to what we have presently. I'd be in favor of finding a JUCO to play opposite Turner if thy could run good routes and get open. Also where has throwing to the tight end gone? Seems we did some of that early but nothing lately.

I think our WR commits can play well enough to play. I am very concerned about our QB. I would like a JUCO or 5th year transfer to come in at QB.

 

[mhuml32]

I think our WR commits can play well enough to play. I am very concerned about our QB. I would like a JUCO or 5th year transfer to come in at QB.

Agreed. My concern with WR (Turner, Dudek, others) is minimal. Need to find a QB.

 

[calibear]

Agreed. My concern with WR (Turner, Dudek, others) is minimal. Need to find a QB.

Ah , what???
I a disappointed that Thieman has not done more because the receiving corp minus Turner looks like a version of the gang that couldn't shot straight. Yes the qb's would have to grade out at about a d to d- this year. But save Turner the receivers and tight ends have been an f or incomplete. Grant has the next most reliable hands along with A Johnson and neither can get open on their own.
I would say White could be referred to has hands of stone , the only problem with that is what do I call the others. They either can't get open or also refuse to the catch the ball. In nearly all cases both.

 

[StateFarmCenter]

Ah , what???
I a disappointed that Thieman has not done more because the receiving corp minus Turner looks like a version of the gang that couldn't shot straight. Yes the qb's would have to grade out at about a d to d- this year. But save Turner the receivers and tight ends have been an f or incomplete. Grant has the next most reliable hands along with A Johnson and neither can get open on their own.
I would say White could be referred to has hands of stone , the only problem with that is what do I call the others. They either can't get open or also refuse to the catch the ball. In nearly all cases both.

I think he meant with our recruits in play as well as Dudek. Our best two recruits are arguably WRs and Smalling may be player of the year in Illinois. Turner-Dudek-Smalling should be a good corps for next year.

 

[FT35]

I think he meant with our recruits in play as well as Dudek. Our best two recruits are arguably WRs and Smalling may be player of the year in Illinois. Turner-Dudek-Smalling should be a good corps for next year.

Green could be in the mix as well, if he sticks with his commitment. There's a real opportunity for him to be on the two deep next year.

It would be nice if he could bring Carney as well.

I hope recruits are taking notice that Lovie and the staff are willing to put true Freshmen out there. Stanley Green was rated as the #52 prospect in the state of Illinois for the Class of 2016 by 247 and he's now a starter.

 

[icengineer]

Green could be in the mix as well, if he sticks with his commitment. There's a real opportunity for him to be on the two deep next year.

It would be nice if he could bring Carney as well.

I hope recruits are taking notice that Lovie and the staff are willing to put true Freshmen out there. Stanley Green was rated as the #52 prospect in the state of Illinois for the Class of 2016 by 247 and he's now a starter.

You can be sure the staff will be pointing this out whether the recruits are picking up on it or not. :thumb:

 

[ChiCityIllini]

I will be surprised if Collier and Green stick

 

[Second and Chalmers]

I will be surprised if Collier and Green stick

It's possible, but both guys are literally taking a starting spot away from themselves if they flip. That's tough to swallow when you're 18 and have been the star of every sports team you've ever played on.

 

[calibear]

Really liked the juco TE they offered, even if we winds up at h-back/fb in dual role.
Christian Williams 6'4 230. Just one nasty individual on the field that is extremely competitive. He can block, run catch, cut, find the open field and seems to love to hit people. Folks for those of you old enough I just said Ditka. Now how close he comes to that who know he might flop, but all the ingredients are there. Probably about the same size as Ditka back at Pitt. He is a little tight so he may not be able to gain anymore muscle mass which is why I mentioned the other positions. The one thing that really bothered me about his tape was the first few plays he was begging someone to come along and knock that ball free. Although a Dim Mak ( death touch) move just my punch throw an opponent to recover the ball. So this kid only lacks some good weight, ball handle issues and body stiffness. He might be a 3 for 4 year guy as well. Not sure but saw where he had a 2016 hs tape. so need to check that out.
Maybe a little to geeked about the guy but I gave him a high 3* or 7.25 grade.:hand::thumb:

 

[calibear]

Oh watched Deandre Johnson first half season tape. If we forgive his bad conduct then he could be the answer to who gets the ball to receivers in 2017. He can whip the ball and can do it in small windows giving little time for db's to react. He might not be a 4.4 guy but is a better runner than anybody that has qb'ed for us in at least the last 10 years. One concern is again about lack of good body mass to absorb blows.
He got a bump from what I had him graded as from his hs tape. He actually had improved in every single area I wanted to see in improvement in and there were several.
He went from a high mid 3* or 6.75 to a high 3* or 7.25 . may not seem like a big deal. But folks that 7.0 area is were we start really to watching for real difference makers like Mikey. Whom was a very high 3* to me and graded as a 3* 7.75. Only thing higher is a four star or elite 5*
By the way the next best raw runner/thrower I have seen is none other then Cam Thomas. Just wish he would have gone to a school that would help him to gain experience in making reads and what and when to throw. It is likely to cost him another year of sitting and learning.

 

[Illinimedic]

Does anyone have any insight on the big recruit from Texas visiting this weekend. D. Johnson, LB/S, formerly committed to A&M I believe.

Just noticed that he is deciding in a couple of weeks and if I recall correctly we are his only official. Legit shot here or is this just a free trip to meet Lovie? Thanks.

 

[FT35]

Oh watched Deandre Johnson first half season tape. If we forgive his bad conduct then he could be the answer to who gets the ball to receivers in 2017. He can whip the ball and can do it in small windows giving little time for db's to react. He might not be a 4.4 guy but is a better runner than anybody that has qb'ed for us in at least the last 10 years. One concern is again about lack of good body mass to absorb blows.
He got a bump from what I had him graded as from his hs tape. He actually had improved in every single area I wanted to see in improvement in and there were several.
He went from a high mid 3* or 6.75 to a high 3* or 7.25 . may not seem like a big deal. But folks that 7.0 area is were we start really to watching for real difference makers like Mikey. Whom was a very high 3* to me and graded as a 3* 7.75. Only thing higher is a four star or elite 5*
By the way the next best raw runner/thrower I have seen is none other then Cam Thomas. Just wish he would have gone to a school that would help him to gain experience in making reads and what and when to throw. It is likely to cost him another year of sitting and learning.

Great stuff as always Cali. I'm happy to read that Cam has potential to even be a QB. Almost everyone else here thinks he will get moved to another position. I think we all agree that he is a major project.

I'd be curious to read your thoughts on Alin Edouard.

 

[FT35]

Does anyone have any insight on the big recruit from Texas visiting this weekend. D. Johnson, LB/S, formerly committed to A&M I believe.

Just noticed that he is deciding in a couple of weeks and if I recall correctly we are his only official. Legit shot here or is this just a free trip to meet Lovie? Thanks.

I have no idea how serious he is about Illinois but he set up an official visit with Mississippi State in December. There is talk that he will move his commitment date back from November 4th.

 

[calibear]

Great stuff as always Cali. I'm happy to read that Cam has potential to even be a QB. Almost everyone else here thinks he will get moved to another position. I think we all agree that he is a major project.

I'd be curious to read your thoughts on Alin Edouard.

Ft color me unimpressed with Edouard for now thee only juco's i would take based on ability are not named Edouard. Gillins and Johnson seem to have the goods to really help. Gillins being my first choice. Before anybody starts screaming , that based solely on talent. Keep in mind I was the one that said I as head coach would have to have along talk with Johnson. If I got the sense he truly repented and matured I give the shot. But only after a very long talk.
regarding Cam Thomas the thing that frightens me is how raw and undeveloped he will be joining the program. Yes he can sling it and run , but for me that can describe a a running back as well. He needs to be an early entry just to have time to start him on what he needs to know on what to do and how to do as a qb. He will need a lot of work. Felt the same way about Bailey and Cubit did shite for helping develop as far as I could tell.