As far as I've been able to gather, Hardy Nickerson is well respected as a position coach. I listened to a few interviews on youtube and he comes across as earnest (if a bit reserved) and articulate - not dissimilar to Lovie and McGee in terms of demeanor. He was tremendously successful in his stint at Bishop O'Dowd in Oakland. Overall, he's fairly unproven as a coach, but he seems to be an up-and-comer and obviously he's regarded as one of the best and most ferocious linebackers in recent NFL history.
I can see Lovie, McGee, and Nickerson really impressing kids and parents in recruiting situations. All three have a kind of gravity about them. You listen to them talk and you can tell they mean business. I think when they leave a living room, the kid's going to be thinking, "if I want to go to the NFL, these guys will get me there."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ln2-PUWEHE
Nickerson is a great interview. This guy seems like he'd be a great recruiter and personality to have associated with Illinois football. And love at the end the nod to the experience of being on a campus of bright students. Would be a good fit for U of I.