Illinois Football Recruiting Thread (February-April 2021)

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#552      
KnoxIllini2
Joel Goodson said:
Didn't take long for the new regime to make inroads in our backyard. Gotta love it. If we can add some level of success in the Chicago area and same in St. Loo, that's the path to sustainability.
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What in the hell is sustainability?
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#553      
RonC
Personally, love these two latest commitments. Illinois always seemed to ignore these kind of downstate 3* players. Then we would end up with less talented kids from out of state. This investment in Illinois high school talent will pay off bigger eventually. Leonard’s younger brother is already a huge offensive tackle in next years class. Rochester has always produced good players worth recruiting.
 
#554      
Curbelo Fanboy
RonC said:
Personally, love these two latest commitments. Illinois always seemed to ignore these kind of downstate 3* players. Then we would end up with less talented kids from out of state. This investment in Illinois high school talent will pay off bigger eventually. Leonard’s younger brother is already a huge offensive tackle in next years class. Rochester has always produced good players worth recruiting.
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And I think this helps build the fan base too. U start having some success with these home grown talents and it has a chance to really take off. People will get behind it. Even if they are backup players. Might as well have the backups be local guys if they can play vs out of staters.
 
#555      
Dbell1981
RonC said:
Personally, love these two latest commitments. Illinois always seemed to ignore these kind of downstate 3* players. Then we would end up with less talented kids from out of state. This investment in Illinois high school talent will pay off bigger eventually. Leonard’s younger brother is already a huge offensive tackle in next years class. Rochester has always produced good players worth recruiting.
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Yup, they need to get to Maroa-Forsyth as well if they haven't already. Not sure if there is D1 talent there RN but they have had some talent on a frequent basis. Iowa plucked Hockaday from there and he did well.
 
#558      
Deleted member 747867
CogDog said:
I was wondering this as well. Maybe he simply helps augment the “in-state” kid message the staff is communicating and will provide solid depth. Behind the seniors, we don’t have many proven players. Perhaps the staff views Badovinac as a player who’s floor is relatively proven back-up, but has potential to start if he excels in camp.
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I think this is closer to the truth. The fact that the Illini have a lot of offensive linemen back does not necessarily equate to a lot of depth.
 
#559      
ILFaninFL
EasyR said:
I think this is closer to the truth. The fact that the Illini have a lot of offensive linemen back does not necessarily equate to a lot of depth.
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I agree. You build a team with the line.
 
#560      
Dbell1981
I also think if more of these local kids start getting attention that may get some kids that play semi competitive to step it up a notch. Plenty of big boys around here that play just to be on the team. If they see B10 coaches around practice and games could be some big time motivation for these small town kids.
 
#562      
altenberger22
I guess we now have confirmation that BB is following the Wisconsin blueprint of building the foundation with a strong offensive line, using predominantly in-state talent. Realistically, I guess that also means we're ~5 years away from having a Bielema-built roster.
 
#563      
Illinivek23
altenberger22 said:
I guess we now have confirmation that BB is following the Wisconsin blueprint of building the foundation with a strong offensive line, using predominantly in-state talent. Realistically, I guess that also means we're ~5 years away from having a Bielema-built roster.
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True - but didn't Ron Turner also take that approach? He got all of the highly rated OL in Illinois the year Martin O'Donnell committed. Just couldn't keep up the recruiting momentum.
 
#564      
Joel Goodson
NoRival said:
Would love to start seeing some Chicagoland commitments.
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So would everyone. Stands to reason that a big chunk of the lower hanging fruit is downstate kids. Staff seems pretty relentless. Just a matter of time, I reckon.
 
#565      
Joel Goodson
Seeking info on Leonard's younger brother. Class, size, etc. Sounds like he's a better prospect than Clayton.
 
#567      
moggs3
JucoIllini10 said:
n.rivals.com

Cannon Leonard 2023 Offensive Tackle Iowa

Cannon Leonard - 3 Star Offensive tackle for Iowa on Hawkeye Beacon
n.rivals.com n.rivals.com
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I have seen them both on the basketball court. I paid close attention to footwork. Clayton has very good footwork. Cannon has a ways to go IMO. I personally think Clayton is the better prospect, but Cannon does has major upside. But wait..........there is another brother in 8th grade. May be better than both.

Also..Clayton may not be the only small school kid we get within a weeks span. My neck of the woods has some real nice talent right now.
 
#569      
IlliniFan85
Are we trending towards any defensive commits? Or do we still not care about defense?
 
#573      
moggs3
illini80 said:
I know lots of visits are scheduled. Any noteworthy names you think we have a shot at?
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No guarentee's, but they sit well for many. Like our chances with an in-state OLB and a couple DB's that are visiting. There is a 4* DL that has not scheduled a visit yet that I think we sit well with. Needless to say I am not worried about recruiting right now. This staff knows what they are doing. I am excited.
 
#574      
illini80
moggs3 said:
No guarentee's, but they sit well for many. Like our chances with an in-state OLB and a couple DB's that are visiting. There is a 4* DL that has not scheduled a visit yet that I think we sit well with. Needless to say I am not worried about recruiting right now. This staff knows what they are doing. I am excited.
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Feels good for a change for sure!
 
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