Illini Football 2026

#476      
therealmiket86
fuddrules said:
Yep, I'm just surprised it hasn't been talked about. I first noticed the OL recruits we were after were no longer Hunter Whitenack clones but more athletic. I thought, good, finally.

Yet it wasn't being talked about??. Rather it was being mentioned the OL was bigger?? That wasn't computing so Saturday watching it was fairly obvious, this group is longer and leaner.

You and Geneva have both confirmed it, thanks.
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It never made sense we recruited offensive linemen that didn’t fit the scheme. I’m just happy we aren’t recruiting big fat linemen with slow feet.
 
#477      
IlliniWu
BWBW said:
I have a strong belief that the offense that faces Ohio State will be much improved over the past few years. The non-conference games will be the testing ground, for the O line especially. I don't expect to look like a BCS contender in the non-conference.
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Yeah they have the athletes and OL to match up with OSU. One thing people need to pay attention to is the defense hung with them for the better part of that game last year.

With the secondary back healthy now, that's a big boost. Juice Clarke held J.Smith to what was maybe his worst game statistically (A game many overlook if you're looking for a potential 'Spoon type of jump). They have the athletes at DB to hold their receivers in check. Should be an interesting game.
 
#479      
IlliniWu
88_ILLINI said:
So, looking down the road a bit, after this season, which DB do you think will go higher in the draft - Bailey, X Scott, or Clarke?
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Kind of leaning Clarke if he continues to progress. He looks like he has added more strength when I was watching the training camp preview and I don't think people talk enough about how he basically shut down maybe the best WR in CFB last year.

Scott offers versatility and should be a lock to go round 3-4 or higher assuming he stays healthy. His playmaking ability at NICKEL raises his stock but he is a good CB when lined up outside as well.

Bailey I believe is going to possibly be the most decorated in college as this defense could make him a household name this season. He's a real enforcer. If a team like Seattle who has a similar type of scheme drafts him he'll continue to play that CHIEF type of role. Otherwise I think he'll more than likely project at LB in the pros which raises his stock even more IMO.

For right now I'll say Clarke with all going in the 3-5 round range at the moment. Lots of potential to move up for all three though.

If Clarke shuts down Smith again and some of these other elite B1G WR you'll see him rise big time. It kind of puts me in the mind of Spoon because you could see it coming when he was clamping up future NFL WR in Jarrett from Maryland, etc. the previous year. That type of rise is almost unheard in terms of obscurity but I could see Clarke making a big jump with progression. Interested to see Morris and how he fits in. There's good buzz and I liked the tape a lot.

However, I think Hankins Jr. is the best NFL prospect at DB (And one of the top overall on the team). I could see him on freshman AA teams this year and possibly a B1G team (HM, etc.).
 
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#481      
mhuml32
88_ILLINI said:
So, looking down the road a bit, after this season, which DB do you think will go higher in the draft - Bailey, X Scott, or Clarke?
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Will* go higher? Xavier
Could* go highest? Clarke
Most likely to be undrafted? Also Clarke

I'm guessing Bailey's shoulders are extensively checked out in the draft prep phase, but he would have the highest floor for a professional career if he is not given a medical red flag.
 
#482      
Fly Illini Fly!
mhuml32 said:
Will* go higher? Xavier
Could* go highest? Clarke
Most likely to be undrafted? Also Clarke

I'm guessing Bailey's shoulders are extensively checked out in the draft prep phase, but he would have the highest floor for a professional career if he is not given a medical red flag.
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Bailey will have the best stats of all 3 (assuming full health).
 
#486      
lstewart53x3
mhuml32 said:
https://twitter.com/x/status/2092280919281258696


It's not just a pre-cautionary rest for week 1.
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mad little girl GIF
 
#488      
Birdus
IlliniWu said:
Kind of leaning Clarke if he continues to progress. He looks like he has added more strength when I was watching the training camp preview and I don't think people talk enough about how he basically shut down maybe the best WR in CFB last year.

Scott offers versatility and should be a lock to go round 3-4 or higher assuming he stays healthy. His playmaking ability at NICKEL raises his stock but he is a good CB when lined up outside as well.

Bailey I believe is going to possibly be the most decorated in college as this defense could make him a household name this season. He's a real enforcer. If a team like Seattle who has a similar type of scheme drafts him he'll continue to play that CHIEF type of role. Otherwise I think he'll more than likely project at LB in the pros which raises his stock even more IMO.

For right now I'll say Clarke with all going in the 3-5 round range at the moment. Lots of potential to move up for all three though.

If Clarke shuts down Smith again and some of these other elite B1G WR you'll see him rise big time. It kind of puts me in the mind of Spoon because you could see it coming when he was clamping up future NFL WR in Jarrett from Maryland, etc. the previous year. That type of rise is almost unheard in terms of obscurity but I could see Clarke making a big jump with progression. Interested to see Morris and how he fits in. There's good buzz and I liked the tape a lot.

However, I think Hankins Jr. is the best NFL prospect at DB (And one of the top overall on the team). I could see him on freshman AA teams this year and possibly a B1G team (HM, etc.).
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I like this but Clarke did NOT shut down Smith. He did have a very good game though. I like Clarke a lot and can see him going pretty high in next years draft. Hopefully our guys can stay healthy.
 
#492      
fuddrules
IlliniWu said:
Looks like Trimble's going into a starting spot. Also interested to see how wealthy Rankin and Eberhart are in the opener as they could see reps.
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Trimble for sure. Last year the staff and beat reporters were hootin and hollerin how he was taking Illini football by storm. I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Don't discount Newton. He has more familiarity with the offense and has been at WR since summer. He made some plays on Saturday.
 
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