also going to need a couple good DL and OT .
Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
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Wilcher, Dixon, elzy, Beaty , sanders and Hollins all return plus arkin and rusk. It’s a nice start but it would be nice to add a veteran to that group. Getting Rusk back will really help the passing game
We have a great sell to WRs. We run a modern offense (unlike Iowa), Isaiah and Casey are on active NFL rosters, and Pat and Zakhari are on their way there
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
3 star WR/ATH/SS ('26) from Ohio:
6' 2" 175 and a real speedster (4.5 40 laser timed)
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WR, DE, DT and OT should be the priority.
We return a lot next year and it would be Luke’s 3rd year in this system. I’m worried about adding to the dline
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
It's interesting game theory choices - you could decide to save at WR with the belief that Altmyer will rise everyone's performance and throw a ton of money at one tackle (Henderson filling the other) and a couple dynamic defensive line pieces. Or you could bring in a top WR, top tackle, offensive line depth, and a little defensive line depth with the expectation the offense will carry your team.
I would guess Henderson and Priesley are the starting tackles. We also have Kellen Francis the juco recruit. I would just like to see someone brought in to compete for the spot.
We have all the linebackers and secondary back for next year. If we can have just a solid d line we will be very good
yea . real good teams have a second string that could start at most schools .
it’s insurance for injuries and is necessary for rotation .
I thought Priestly was a Sr .
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
a rising tide lifts all boats: hopefully, it works that way with our NIL too
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
Looking around at some "local" teams who are struggling, areas where Bielema has known geographical connections, or head coach at risk of being fired that have recruits with Illinois connections (avoiding obvious names that have floated here in the past):
Jayquan Stubbs - DL from Cleveland - Committed to Minnesota - Illinois wanted him as a summer visit but he verballed to Fleck before that happened.
Michael O'Connell - OT Glendbard West - Committed to Northwestern - Illinois offered him late spring but he verballed to NW quickly after.
Landon Brooks - Edge from Muncie - Committed to Purdue - Illinois was really involved when Bullen was here but not sure if that changed.
Darrin Strey - OT from Paw Paw MI - Committed to Kentucky - Was a priority for the staff. He took visits after his UK commitment, so might be open?
Grayson Wilson - QB from Conway AR - Committed to Arkansas - Seems pretty unlikely to add another QB but Lunney offered him in 2022. Highly rated QB.
Jayquan Stubbs - DL from Cleveland - Committed to Minnesota - Illinois wanted him as a summer visit but he verballed to Fleck before that happened.
Michael O'Connell - OT Glendbard West - Committed to Northwestern - Illinois offered him late spring but he verballed to NW quickly after.
Landon Brooks - Edge from Muncie - Committed to Purdue - Illinois was really involved when Bullen was here but not sure if that changed.
Darrin Strey - OT from Paw Paw MI - Committed to Kentucky - Was a priority for the staff. He took visits after his UK commitment, so might be open?
Grayson Wilson - QB from Conway AR - Committed to Arkansas - Seems pretty unlikely to add another QB but Lunney offered him in 2022. Highly rated QB.
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
If it's me, I want a similar experience mold of Priestly - someone who's played plenty of snaps at a lower level and wants to compete but is likely a swing. Find someone that gives you depth on the outside because (a) injuries happen and (b) there are going to be Illinois players who are upperclassmen who aren't starting that will likely transfer.
They (smartly) brought his brother on board as a walk-on
A name I would like at tackle is Enrique Cruz from Syracuse. Then if he wins the spot you can slide Henderson in at guard.
Brooke bahr, Jamel Howard, Trey pierce and tyler morris are a few guys I would kick the tires on.
Brandon svets is another player that would make sense
I’m guessing staff is setting up visits for Purdue and Michigan games. Probably revisiting some who were not as interested before the season. and hopefully commitments after that.
With the way the defensive backs have been playing the last few years, I would think the best DB's are looking hard at Illinois with an eye toward the NFL. Also, the way the line has improved should also be turning some heads in the near future. If they can stop the run this weekend...look out!
madillini4
Ozamataz Buckshank
- Millywaukee
Didn’t realize he hasn’t played. Purdue is absolutely awful. I have enjoyed betting against them lol.
Jamarion Parker, dj miller and sael Reyes are also guys I would be in touch with.
If we keep up this success the transfer portal should be interesting. I would also expect we flip some recruits
Not sure where he would fit anytime soon. Karriem is struggling to see the field.
mhuml32
Gesture of Northern Aggression
These are even better than my list. This would be your "shoot your shot" list for players that likely weren't as interested in Illinois but things may now be different. With Illinois' defensive back success, I have no idea how recruits like Reyes do not have more interest playing in this scheme.
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