Only 4 kickers were drafted last year and 3 the year before so it is far from guaranteed that he would get picked. In 2024 the other kicker was getting the opportunities on the 50+ yard attempts.
Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
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and 69 others
“Timeout South Carolina”
I think @TheFlyingIllini1317 is saying we shouldn’t let A&M steal him if it is a money-only decision. I know we don’t have an A&M budget (few do), but it is one thing to let them steal a recruit who has never suited up for us (Singleton) but to steal a player of Olano’s caliber who has been with us, I think, is different.
Do we think Olano gets us 1 more win next season? How do we value that? Does it end up being the difference between 5-7 or 6-6 or maybe even 9-3 or 10-2? That’s worth something.
Tons of kicks over 50 yards these days in the NFL. Olano doesn't seem to have that in him. Not sure if the right coach can draw that out of him. But it seems likely to be necessary if he's going to play on Sunday.
That wasn't from lack of leg it clearly worked out if EM set the school record with the 59 yard FG. Olano hit several 50+ this year and has had that range (50+ yarder which hasnt been done much before in the AA game) before the S&C program. Seems like he has gained this year so I think this point is moot. There aren't as many accurate or clutch K in the country.
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
Optics too, to the extent you can control / manage them ($$$ will still win most times I suppose).
We want to be perceived as the destination, not the source, over the long haul. Not just the place where the blue bloods go shopping. And again acknowledging not all is in our control.
In games,as you pointed out, and many in pre-game. He's got the leg. If insiders are saying he doesn't, it's an excuse and he's 100% gone.
His season long was 44 yards so still a lot to prove. Only 75% touchback rate seems low. Tyler Loop was 53/56 on touchbacks last year for Arizona.
Surprised he's the only one we are hearing anything about. In this new world if others aren't trying to poach your players then its a good indicator that we should be looking to improve at that position.
Last year there were players like Luke, Gabe, the Scotts and some OL that had eligibility left that CFP level teams would have been interested in. Right now Olano is likely the only player on the roster that fits that bill. Maybe Bailey. The rest of the returning players aren’t as enticing to that level of team as last year.
TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
Hot take: I won't support him if he leaves. I root for Illinois players. He can chase a bag that's his right, but I won't support him cause in this hypothetical he was a starter at my school and then left my school.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
I'm sure he'll be crushed
Battle89
- Cary-Grove, the better Trojan team
This seems a common refrain on here, so why? We owe allegiance to those who come here temporarily, and then go elsewhere?
I am in no way saying we should wish him ill, or that he should not earn as much as he can. Go for it. I just don’t understand why someone who says ‘I only support Illinois players’ hears such snark.
If and when he does go pro, he will be announced as an Aggie, or wherever he completes his eligibility. Why are we expected to carry a torch for him?
Mr. Olano, I love watching you play and I hope you stay. If you go, good luck but I will not be following you any more than I follow Tre White.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
no one is carrying a torch for him if he bolts. just saying the bolters are not gonna GAF that random fans no longer support them
and 69 others
“Timeout South Carolina”
Umm, they also don’t GAF if random fans wish them luck and support them, so what’s your point? Also, when were you appointed the representative of all bolting players since you are speaking for them?
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Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
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Went to DGN
What position
TheFlyingIllini1317
- Chicago, IL
Obviously he doesn't care, I'm talking about the general sentiment that you have to support (starting) players that leave your team. It makes no sense.
Joel Goodson
- how was I to know, she was with the Russians too?
that sentiment is flat out insane
My sentiment is that (generally) I support Illini players who make the best decision for their future. Different sport but DGL comes to mind. Olano going to A&M would be the best situation for his future. Yes agreed I wouldn’t support starting players leaving bc some bigger school is “better” for them (we should be considered that big school) but I think kickers and punters are totally different.
That is classic battered wife syndrome talking, my friend.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
Seeing a player on the team you root for as a real person with their own challenges, their own hopes and dreams, their own families, and wanting what’s best for them, even if it might not be what’s best for you as a fan… is battered wife syndrome?
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