In a way, I think Ayo was that guy: "highly rated recruit with demands that could interrupt the vision for the future ascendancy of the Illini program..."
Don't misunderstand that I am saying that Ayo (or his dad) were placing "demands" before he committed.
I am saying, Ayo was a huge recruit that Coach U needed to move the team and the culture forward. But with a high caliber recruit, like Ayo, or even now Fears, there is added pressure to rely on that one player too much, and as a result, the offense stagnates, ala Loyola-Chicago.
I like the blue collar work ethic where every player has a chance in practice to earn minutes.
I would have liked to seen more freshmen minutes, like in that last four-five minutes of first half debacle in Lincoln. We have three offensive minded freshmen. Yes they make mistakes. But when your seniors aren't getting it done, sit em down. Give the young guys a chance.
Sorry if I went off-topic.