Illinois Football Recruiting Thread
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We also have their fired coach.
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ChiefGritty
- Chicago, IL
If the positive noises about X and Durojaiye come to pass, it's really linebacker that's the gaping hole at this point.
Losing both Hood and Hayden, two in-state kids recruited by this staff who redshirted, paid their dues, and were in line for big roles really stinks, there's no two ways about it.
Losing both Hood and Hayden, two in-state kids recruited by this staff who redshirted, paid their dues, and were in line for big roles really stinks, there's no two ways about it.
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I’m guessing they’re expecting Beerman to play a lot more this year.
For the most part agree… but who is our starting nose tackle? Isiah White??
Need at least one proven contributor at the position IMO.
Even if Tomiwa comes back dline is still the biggest need.
Liked White a lot and he may be ready to go. Brooks as well. They've got some talent in the pipeline. If you can add a big time 1 or 2 year guy (Or a potential guy who can play snaps this year), I feel solid about the NG/DT spots. Farrell should be ready to step up big time as an upperclassman.
They weren't good enough, so we are intentionally getting guys that are more proven.
This is a much safer road than hoping players will make a leap in eight months -- that's not a worthwhile gamble for a team hoping to make the CFP.
Go back to yesterday's thread. McCollum isn't a big deal. Barely had an impact on a poor defense.
Makes sense why he took down his transfer post on X.
agree , it’s a bit perplexing
but obviously they were both lacking in something that the staff thought essential in future expectations at LB. it remains to be seen who we get as an upgrade .
6 months ago we thought those guys were our starters in 26 & 27
I think EDGE rusher.
illinidarrin
- from parts unknown
if he does come back we are going to need 2-3 more. Very weak at that spot right now.
We got a Fillmore, from the East?
I need some Allman Bros about now!
This.
Shooting for the CFP can’t have a plan based on hoping for huge leaps by guys in eight+ months.
I’m not a fan of the new world, but it’s our chance to build a top program, and that requires some tough choices.
illinidarrin
- from parts unknown
Can you please share your qualifications related to coaching collegiate football and talent evaluation?
The comments regarding the FAMILLY thing are comical. I played college baseball and a team can be together for a year and feel like a family. This is the new world of college football. Coaches can’t force players to stay 4 years and NIL/Revenue sharing aren’t going away any time soon. Why do you think they didn’t try to retain these 2 deep players, but they went in the portal anyhow? Do you think they wanted Olano to leave?
Bielema and this staff just won 9 or more games in back to back seasons for the first time in the history of Illinois football. I personally like seeing us win and would like to see us sustain that, so I’m going to trust them and see how this plays out.
Well, if your neighbor won the lottery, would you say, "why not us?". With all due respect to us and any other program in our realm in football....the Indiana turnaround) ascension might be the greatest sports feat in history. There has never been anything even remotely like it. A college basketball comp would be Rutgers or Penn State winning a national championship in the next two years. Never say never, but....it's never.
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
Kiffin has unlimited budget. Don't believe for a second that LSU, TX, GA, AL are going to follow NCAA $20M and run all $NIL thru CSC.
I wanted Malik to succeed as IL home grown but what we saw:
1. average speed
2. poor hands
3. could not elevate to get up for grab throws
Some HS athletes just don't pan out.
lstewart53x3
- Scottsdale, Arizona
With how many pieces we’ve lost on the DL, it feels like the staff may have not been fully aware of the market value for those players.
I’m sure the staff knew there would be and likely even wanted turnover on defense, but I can’t imagine they went into the portal window knowing they’d have to replace almost the entire D-line.
I’m sure the staff knew there would be and likely even wanted turnover on defense, but I can’t imagine they went into the portal window knowing they’d have to replace almost the entire D-line.
ptgrd23
- orange county CA
Hood had size and speed but seemed to lack instinct to fill gaps and was not able to use his speed to get sacks. Better athlete than football player. Hayden just did not make enough plays. They were good enough to be in rotation but that was all. I think Bret is trying to level up.
Watched the Indiana Alabama game and did not see one missed tackle by IU LBs and DBs. It was whole another level of skill. I don't know how Cignetti does it but we should steal a defensive coach to find out.
Watched the Indiana Alabama game and did not see one missed tackle by IU LBs and DBs. It was whole another level of skill. I don't know how Cignetti does it but we should steal a defensive coach to find out.
You and the staff aren't recruiting against me.
It's a very odd question. Also, I'm not the one who sold FamILLY. <--- not me.They are recruiting and competing against P2's and some other P4's. That's the competition, not the Loyalty Board. I promise you, they could beat our assembled team. Big Whoopdeedo.
Illinois is getting quite a few players that not only aren't getting offers from P2's but aren't even getting a sniff. A few of the players they are getting they are beating some solid programs but not a lot. They are dumping players that were contributing to a 9-4 team. Just last year it was the exact opposite.
Some of the players are going to hit. Some are going to miss. It's all those that in between matter.
>>Bielema and this staff just won 9 or more games in back to back seasons for the first time in the history of Illinois football. I personally like seeing us win and would like to see us sustain that, so I’m going to trust them and see how this plays out.<<
I've said the exact same thing, I will be there watching.
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Sure they go after all the schools, but from an Illinois perspective, we’ve lost three very significant pieces to them in under one year.
Your starting kicker who’s one of the best in the country, a top 100 recruit who would’ve been the highest rated prospect to sign at Illinois in years, and then now a starting defensive lineman. That is a boatload of talent.
Losing that many guys of such quality to one school in under a year… when’s the last time that’s happened at Illinois? Maybe the Walter’s fiasco, though I’m not totally sure even that qualifies.
This is like us taking the entire Wisconsin D-Line last offseason.
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They may be weird, but they keep their traditions and symbols (12th man, yell practice, fish camp, etc.). We cannot even keep Chief. I would rather be weird!
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