Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

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#2,801      

ILLINIFAN2

ILLINIFAN2
Des Moines, IA
ILLINIFAN2
BZuppke said:
Let's get to routinely competing with and beating Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa et al. in recruiting and we'll see some good things on the field. If you're looking to compete with scUM and tOSU in recruiting, you're going to be disappointed. For all the success Wisky has had, they've never come close to tOSU quality in recruiting. So be it.
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Wisconsin also didn't have a African-American NFL coach.
 
#2,802      

thunderwear

thunderwear
thunderwear
Greensboro said:
Here is a quite old picture of Zook's recruiting vs. ability to coach...unfortunately I lost the reference for time frame, but definitely Zook at work
View attachment 2826
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I hope Lovie is promoting that Mendenhall quit football and became a high profile Hollywood writer. How many other schools have prepared their professional athletes this way? ;)
 
#2,803      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
IlliniOX08 said:
+1

This can't be celebrated enough. The staff are treating the scholarships with much higher regard than previous coaching staff's have done. If their first choice goes elsewhere, they don't seem to be panicking and offering anyone with a MAC offer.
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Respectfully, disagree. Difference is this staff is light years from the last few regimes. Past regimes knew what they were, knew what the program was and knew who was/was not attainable. Lovie's team has jumped us three weight classes.

IlliniOX08 said:
It also helps that the staff's message really seems to be resonating with some kids who probably wouldn't have even considered ILL in the past. I'm excited to see how this class closes.
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No doubt. Cookin' w/gas now. Finally, football is fun again (even if it is only recruiting).
 
#2,804      

JimmyTheLayup

J
JimmyTheLayup
BZuppke said:
Let's get to routinely competing with and beating Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa et al. in recruiting and we'll see some good things on the field. If you're looking to compete with scUM and tOSU in recruiting, you're going to be disappointed. For all the success Wisky has had, they've never come close to tOSU quality in recruiting. So be it.
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I'm not.
 
#2,805      

Illiboy

Illiboy
Illiboy
I think this class will be a game changer for illinois. Just in terms of changing the perception of how recruits from within the state view the program. The good players in the state for the most part, didn't want to play for the state school. Now we have 8 players committed from the state, it will be the trendy thing to do. The same thing for the recruits in the St. Louis area, Missouri is no longer the best option. So I think this class is huge. It gives lovie even more credibility than before and puts to rest any concerns about can he recruit? In a few years I think the perception will be, you have to be pretty good to play for Illinois.


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#2,806      

FT35

FT35
Naperville
FT35
This commitment shows what a great closer Lovie is. As McGee alluded to when he was recruited by Smith, his dad could tell that Lovie is a kind, decent man who really cares about these kids.

We may struggle next year but it's still going to be fun watching these recruits improve as the year goes on. This staff got a late start but has gotten a number of high quality recruits who will be able to contribute right away.
 
#2,807      

Title

T
Title
Illiboy said:
I think this class will be a game changer for illinois. Just in terms of changing the perception of how recruits from within the state view the program. The good players in the state for the most part, didn't want to play for the state school. Now we have 8 players committed from the state, it will be the trendy thing to do. The same thing for the recruits in the St. Louis area, Missouri is no longer the best option. So I think this class is huge. It gives lovie even more credibility than before and puts to rest any concerns about can he recruit? In a few years I think the perception will be, you have to be pretty good to play for Illinois.
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This is exactly what I am talking about. Never lose sight of the type of talent needed to WIN. You have to recruit WINNERS to win. Example,
Green State Champion, Lineman from Trinity, State Championship game, St. Thomas RB, State Champion RB, Kids from ESL, State Champion. DL from Huntley, made in to the Qtr finals in the playoffs. Always recruit WINNERS if you are looking win. Both winning and losing is contagious so pick which side you want to be on.
 
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#2,808      

Joel Goodson

Joel Goodson
ties will be resolved
Joel Goodson
IlliniOX08 said:
Very fair point. We could call that more of an administration failure then by not hiring (or being able to hire) and bringing in a coaching staff that could maximize the potential of Illinois?
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Yes, the AD shoulders most of the blame, IMO. Definitely think past regimes tried, but it was a decidedly uphill slog, with very predictable results.

Whitman flipped the game. Now, we just have to be patient. It helps a ton seeing the fruits of staff's labor. Very encouraging.
 
#2,809      

FT35

FT35
Naperville
FT35
Owen Carney

Sorry if this has already been mentioned before but Carney is announcing his decision on Christmas.
 
#2,810      

IlliniMed

I
Lillington, N.C.
IlliniMed
CUWPC said:
If they can win recruiting potential goes through the roof. It will never be Michigan or Ohio St level, but should hanged with Iowa, Penn St, Wisconsin etc. Winning is the next step.
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Why not? Ohio State had many terrible years and all it took was some luck/ new coach/ and recruiting. Wont be over night but hopefully this is the start
 
#2,814      

FT35

FT35
Naperville
FT35
We needed another CB. Good get.
 
#2,822      

Deon1987

D
Deon1987
Hobbs is every bit a decent as Watkins....perhaps we can get him ready to play nickel or dime back??

Or can we move him to free safety and move Stan green to cb??
 
#2,825      

Paignt It Orange

Paignt It Orange
Paignt It Orange
Now up to #48 on 247. Just behind Ole Miss and one spot ahead of Stanford. I like the company.
#42 on scout right behind Pitt and ahead of Syracuse.
 
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