Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

[Joel Goodson]

There seems as if there is zero doubt the Illini will bring in a transfer QB for next year, and not for “competition” but to play next year. So he wouldn’t really be blocking him. Not saying he’ll come here or that we’re interested, but I’d think he’d enjoy being in same QB room helping to teach his brother and setting him up for possible success in 2024.

Bingo. Obviously, there are myriad factors in transfer decisions, but the familly thing just may give us an edge here.

 

[Illinivek23]

Devin is not going to be QB1 next season, regardless of who staff brings in.

Devin or Donovan? I would think Devin expects to be QB1 wherever he goes.

And isn't Coach McDonald very familiar with Devin?

 

[illinidarrin]

Devin or Donovan? I would think Devin expects to be QB1 wherever he goes.

And isn't Coach McDonald very familiar with Devin?

I think he meant Donovan.

 

[STLflyinIllini]

Bingo. Obviously, there are myriad factors in transfer decisions, but the familly thing just may give us an edge here.

Would be quite the get. I just hope he doesn't end up at Miznoz. Drinkwitz recruited him while he was the OC at NC State.

 

[Joel Goodson]

For the record: Donovan, Devin, duh.

If Devin Leary wants in, he's an immediate take (duh). I love Card's talent and 3 years of eligibility, but he's gonna be a super tough get.

 

[illinidarrin]

I'm amazed with all these transfer portal players already. You could really build a new team if you had enough room and you were good at convincing players to come.

 

[DocMorgan]

Source: NC State QB Leary intends to transfer

NC State quarterback Devin Leary intends to enter the NCAA transfer portal, a source told ESPN.

t.co

 

[turnaround3]

I'm amazed with all these transfer portal players already. You could really build a new team if you had enough room and you were good at convincing players to come.

Miami will quite literally be doing this.

 

[Moe Bias]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1597066174915031041

That looks very similar to the Dallas Carter vs. Odessa Permian game years ago

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

You really think so from a pro career perspective? I’m not so sure. Not saying I wouldn’t like to see him back, because I would. But it seems like he’d have to take a huge leap — and not statistically but in showing he has what the pros want — to improve draft stock.

there are now 3 pro leagues in the US and 1 in Canada . there are opportunities other than the NFL

 

[touper]

I just spent 30 seconds reading the comments under the Graham Mertz transfer tweet. My god what a cesspool Twitter is…

 

[mhuml32]

There’s no doubt that Devin Leary is the best option in the portal.

 

[I-L-L-]

I just spent 30 seconds reading the comments under the Graham Mertz transfer tweet. My god what a cesspool Twitter is…

A bunch of internet tough guys. Low-life keyboard warriors.

 

[BuckDitkis]

Assuming we have a shot at both, I’m legitimately conflicted on Devin vs Card. I think Devin is the best get wins now guy, but Card could be a long term stand out.

 

[Mr. Tibbs]

There’s no doubt that Devin Leary is the best option in the portal.

we are familly………,

 

[RonC]

this sounds pretty good:

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1599765551424757760

Talk about a perfect fit.

 

[illinidarrin]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1599791549524475904

 

[Joel Goodson]

I hope we're assembling a very alluring NIL package for our incoming QB.

 

[HensonHall71]

BB sounded like he was confident in getting Devito a redshirt year in his answer to the bowl presser question, did others hear it that way?

 

[BretMyBeachHouse]

Seems like Devin would be doing a solid for his brother by coming here with one year eligibility vs. another QB with 2 or 3.

 

[illini0440]

BB sounded like he was confident in getting Devito a redshirt year in his answer to the bowl presser question, did others hear it that way?

He gave a pretty vague answer about the school looking to get waivers for previous kids.

 

[spotter]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1599776918466723840

 

[illinidarrin]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1599801825217191941

 

[I-L-L-]

BB sounded like he was confident in getting Devito a redshirt year in his answer to the bowl presser question, did others hear it that way?

It sounded to me like any kid that they thought could help, they'd try getting extra eligibility for; however, he was pretty vague and I didn't feel confident.

 

[aaeismacgychel]

Fits the bill of what I was told earlier today. I still think it’s someone else. I’m meh on Mertz. He’s OK, didn’t have a great line this year. Doesn’t do well when the pocket collapses.

I think that and his tendency to let mistakes snowball are his biggest negatives. He seems to play based on his confidence level. When he's confident, he's one of the best QBs you'll see. When he starts doubting himself he can implode. Overall, if there is interest there from him to join Illinois, I think we need to ask ourselves two questions: 1. Can we maintain a clean pocket? (We did this year and it was a big reason why DeVito had such a great season) and 2. Do we feel we have the people and coaches in place to steady his emotions such that he isn't so reactive to his own performance.

If you can answer yes to those two questions, I'd take Mertz in a heartbeat. His upside is through the roof and it'd be very difficult for me to say no to a kid who can make all the throws and is still young. That said he's going to need some coaching up on his mental game and a game plan that is more conservative and possession based than whatever Wisconsin was trying to do this year. Personally, I think he could be a really good fit for us as how our team is setup to play is a very good fit for what he needs to succeed. Just my thoughts.