Yeah, not entirely clear, but all you Illinois high school guys better get ready for Fighting Illini schmoozing like you haven't seen in a long time! 
I like it.
I like it.
The Illinois Coaching Staff
Local high school coaches weigh in: https://www.news-gazette.com/sports...cle_45ceb9ee-3fcf-5e54-9f8e-74bbd114713b.html
Time will tell if this all works but it sure seems Bielema has a very thorough plan to fix this steaming pile that is Illinois football of the last 25 plus years.
Bielema is the first HC since Jim Valek who has any meaningful experience with Illinois HS football in his background. Over half a century of overlooking that on resumes. Pretty unbelievable when you stop to think about it.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
Having meaningful experience with state high school ball is nice, but not very important. What is important, is getting a decent share of D1-bound Illinois preps. Obviously, that's not gonna happen if we don't recruit in-state hard. And cultivating good relationships with head coaches and their programs is part of that effort.
Bielema and Whitman get it. Am expecting pretty serious strides on this front.
Took my daughter to the Aspen Tap House (used to be Scottys Brewhouse) in Savoy for lunch today. Sitting at the table next to me was Rod Smith. He was wearing an Illini hoodie and Illini shorts. Must not have a gig lined up for next year. Did he have years remaining on a contract when he was let go?
Doesn't appear that he has another job
This bums me out. I was always pretty critical of the inconsistency of the offense but I really have high hopes for Rod.