Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

[GILL-INOIS]

I mean, you list about 8 players that combined for ~330 receiving yards (of which CWash was 312) last year. Hightower was more than that individually

I hope they're great, but potential does not necessarily equal 'loaded'

Yeah we definitely aren't loaded but this is the most depth and excited I have been about the WR corps in a long time. Next 2 weeks will tell us where we stand between Elzy announcement and transfer portal closing.

IW, Bryant, Washington are a good nucleus with experience. IW has become a threat just playing the WR spot for 2 years. Illinois had something like 8-10 receivers that were FR or redshirt FR this season. Some needed to bulk up, learn system, transition to college, injured, etc. BB is all about growing the team and I believe a few guys will step up. That doesn't include the incoming FR or possibly Elzy who could contribute right away. Always time to add another WR through the portal down the road if something doesn't click.


Losing Brian Hightower is not a big loss. I wish the young man the best wherever he decides to go(even if Purdue). BB has used the phrase a few times about players transferring out that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. I don't see WR position being a position of need but like all positions if an upgrade comes along than great.

 

[BZuppke]

The grass is ALWAYS greener in Champaign. These portal players need to understand this.

 

[ChiefGritty]

The grass is ALWAYS greener in Champaign. These portal players need to understand this.

It's certainly well fertilized

 

[illinidarrin]

I mean, you list about 8 players that combined for ~330 receiving yards (of which CWash was 312) last year. Hightower was more than that individually

I hope they're great, but potential does not necessarily equal 'loaded'

IW, Bryant and Washington combined for 1,286 yards. That's not anything to scoff at. We have a bigger issue at RB than WR.

 

[Dawgss4life]

BB has no problem playing running backs early if they are talented. He tends to shy away from FR being the #1 guy unless out of need or something special.

PJ Hill is the only back from that list that carried the load his FR year. That is mainly because BB got promoted to Head Coach from DC and that is all Wisconsin had on the roster. If we are going by rankings only, PJ Hill would be the lowest ranked recruit in either the 2022 or 2023 class so take the numbers with a grain of salt.

PJ Hill started 3 seasons and had a FR backup his whole time

2009 John Clay Soph started with Montee Ball FR backup

2010 John Clay Jr, Montee Ball So, James White Jr (few yards from having all three 1,000 yard rushers that season)

2011 Montee Ball Jr and James White So

2012 Montee Ball Sr, James White Jr, Melvin Gordon FR


The torch just kept getting passed to the next guy in the system. BB is doing the same thing now and playing the guys that are in the system and slowly developing more guys that he brings in. Only difference now is he has the choice to add a RB quicker if he thinks an upgrade is needed.

My point is BB WILL put freshman on the field year doesn't matter productivity does. James White freshman of the year. PJ Hill ran for over 1500 yards as a freshman

 

[Illiniam1984]

We’ll be fine…WR is still a position of strength for us.

 

[New Creation]

Do we know why he didn’t play in the Bowl game?

“Injury”

 

[Illiniam1984]

 

[Bbuck21]

I think N D Kid is Jordan's brother

I was going to ask that exact question. But, my wife tells me people don't always get my sense of humor.

 

[Bbuck21]

It's certainly well fertilized

Uh yes! I miss the south farms.

 

[illinidarrin]

if by some chance they are interested in getting a WR in the Portal, here is one good option to try for.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1610697088547057670

 

[aaeismacgychel]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1610662967749525509

This is unfortunate and pretty surprising to me considering we just brought in a high end QB transfer and he had a much bigger role in the offense this year. Personally I think this is a fairly hefty loss for us as he really flashed a lot of potential this season and had good hands. Thought he'd take a big jump next year for us. In any case, not much one can do. Hopefully IW and Bryant stay and then we probably should try and pick up an experienced WR from the portal as a stopgap.

 

[Illiniam1984]

All I can say…

 

[GILL-INOIS]

My point is BB WILL put freshman on the field year doesn't matter productivity does. James White freshman of the year. PJ Hill ran for over 1500 yards as a freshman

We aren't arguing anything but I responded to a post you made. Same thing I said in first two sentences of my post

"BB has no problem playing running backs early if they are talented. He tends to shy away from FR being the #1 guy unless out of need or something special."

 

[BretMyBeachHouse]

If you're not going to play on Sunday it seems like grabbing your degree and starting a new adventure at another school is an enticing opportunity.

 

[phats22]

Hmm, kids in the hall?

 

[GILL-INOIS]

This is unfortunate and pretty surprising to me considering we just brought in a high end QB transfer and he had a much bigger role in the offense this year. Personally I think this is a fairly hefty loss for us as he really flashed a lot of potential this season and had good hands. Thought he'd take a big jump next year for us. In any case, not much one can do. Hopefully IW and Bryant stay and then we probably should try and pick up an experienced WR from the portal as a stopgap.

One 6'3" receiver leaving....another 6'3" receiver coming in

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

Didn’t expect it, but not really surprised that Hightower entered portal. His use always seemed a bit inconsistent. Seemed like he’d go long stretches in games when he wasn’t targeted. I would think that would be frustrating. And they’ve brought in 6 (and maybe soon to be 7) WR recruits in last 2 classes. Hopefully some of the depth we have at WR can step up and more than replace him.

 

[Redbull]

It's certainly well fertilized

Closeness to the south farms insures it

 

[jjv0004]

Check out the On3 West MVP!

All-American Bowl Top Performers: Day One

Practices for the All-American Bowl kicked off on Tuesday. On3 recaps the top performers, led by a dominant showing from an Alabama signee.

www.on3.com

 

[CogDog]

Check out the On3 West MVP!

All-American Bowl Top Performers: Day One

Practices for the All-American Bowl kicked off on Tuesday. On3 recaps the top performers, led by a dominant showing from an Alabama signee.

www.on3.com

Praying to the football gods that we can snag this kid. NFL tools.

 

[GoodePodzMelendez]

What you saw Monday with Love & McCray is what you would get next year. Neither will be our featured backs. The coaching staff knows that as well. Because of Chase Brown, that is why the coaching staff did no want to burn a year of eligibility with Jordan Anderson. Insiders have heard he could be someone special. Coming out of high school he ride offers from most of the top schools on the country.

MSU stacked the box or cheated in. They knew we would not try to spread the field as we did not have a Consistent deep weapon. Next year will have us with more options at WR who will stretch the field and a QB who can sling it. The running game will be fine.

 

[illini80]

“Injury”

We could have used him Monday. I doubt he was held out the way coach mentioned he hoped he would be able to go, but wasn’t able to. Think it was a pull of some type, but don’t remember if it was hamstring or something else.

 

[phats22]

Praying to the football gods that we can snag this kid. NFL tools.

Any good NFL wr comps?

 

[illinidarrin]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1610707540492304384