not great for us but wish Reggie nothing but the best (unless we play him). Might be that he wants to be THE guy and can't be that here with Feagin. We still have depth, but everyone is coming off of injuries, so would think BB might want to bring in some kind of transfer with some experience.
Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
- Status
I think he also saw that he wasn’t gonna be “the man” next year.
But this year it feels like we went through about 6 backs.... lol
Ehh not too worried about this. Wasn’t going to get most of the playing time next year with Feagin as the lead back and with Valentine coming in. Also Laughery will get some carries as well.
I’m actually most concerned about IW with this premise.
NFL prospects are iffy, go get paid a big amount to be an incredible slot receiver at a championship level team.
Hope it doesn’t happen but you never know.
illiniswish09
- Northwest Suburbs
Insiders- current odds for IW returning?
Hoo-boy. This is surprising to me. Maybe Bret talked to him about wanting to have him split snaps with Feagin and Love wants to be pure feature? Or Love is concerned about the oline next year and wants a better shot to prove himself as an NFL caliber player? Overall though, this move definitely leaves us thin. Is the initial thought going with Feagin as our 1 and Valentine or Laughery as our 2, or bringing in a transfer RB?
redwingillini11
White and Sixth
- North Aurora
Awful news.
If he had to pick today he would declare and leave. He still has some NIL meetings to have though. I think he declares no matter what but leaves the door open to return.
Fighter of the Nightman
- Chicago, IL
This is what I'm dying to know ... I think (at least as of now) this is the single most important factor determining my optimism, haha.
Illinivek23
- Gurnee
Where does Jordan Anderson fit in? Would think right behind Feagin?
illinidarrin
- from parts unknown
Actually thought he may leave last year after Walters left and i thought he would up at Purdue. He could very well still end up at Purdue. Well, just have to find another RB in the transfer portal, but very happy that Valentine is coming.
If Jordan Anderson comes back healthy, he should be in the mix. Was in line to get snaps this year before he got hurt
If the goal is the NFL, what can he realisitically do to boost his draft stock next year? He played in all 12 games, led the B10 in receptions, 2nd in yards. Can he improve on a 1st Team All Big Ten selection? I hope he comes back because I am selfish but it doesn't seem likely to me.
He’s not gonna get drafted if he leaves. He’s an UFA. NIL guarantees money that leaving for the NFL can’t
Can we offer IW enough to keep him? He’s the face of the program in 2024.
They will present a figure to him
With Harbaugh likely leaving I think that problem solves itself.
I think Oregon & Washington are in for a rude awakening. Penix couldn't stay on the field at IU b/c of the physicality. There's a reason why Utah has done so well in that league essentially playing B10 football.
Interesting take cause most kids want to play right away.
Does Purdue need a RB?
Crazy to me. Maybe DL is different, but would love to sit behind a guy like Newton and learn everything I could possibly learn from a future 1st rounder.
They still have Mockabee for 2 more years. Noting behind him, though, as Tracy and Deuroo are done.
I am sure that he would likely make more money at U of I with NIL compared to where he would likely be drafted, but I would be very surprised if he went completely undrafted especially since smaller rookie receivers have made immediate impacts this year.
Look at Jordan Addison and Zay Flowers. I know IW is not a first round talent or even day two, but what is so different between what he could do and someone like Jayden Reed? Reed was a second round pick and has thrived in his slot receiver role in Green Bay. They are similar size and Reed never had as much production as Williams did.
The biggest thing I think Williams could do to prove himself more at the college level is ball security obviously, including making more contested catches.
Ball security and straight line speed are an issue. That’s coming from guys in the NFL. He’s not really on anyone’s draft board
- Status