Illinois Recruiting Review
Since I'm awake with nothing better to do at 8 AM on a Sunday morning, I figured I'd end my blog silence by looking at this year's Illini recruiting class. Signing day is on Wednesday and the Illini are about to complete another outstanding class under Head Coach Ron Zook and his recruiting dynamos.
Offense:
Jacob Charest comes from North Carolina, where he has quite successfully QB'd one of NC's best 7A schools. He doesn't have the arm strength of Juice (few do), but he can make all the throws that a QB needs to make and could have a lot of success in the mold of a Chase Daniel-type in Illinois' spread offense. Hopefully he can redshirt this season, though he will fight Eddie McGee for backup duties and the Illini are not very deep at QB, especially with Garza not returning for his final season of eligibility.
At running back, Illinois brings in two talented in-state players. Mikel LeShoure hails from Champaign and has already enrolled at Illinois, giving him a head start on Jason Ford of Belleville. Both are similar in their style. LeShoure is fast but isn't a real home run threat. Ford could be described as a poor man's Rashard Mendenhall and I think has the greater potential of the pair. While he doesn't have Rashard's frame, Ford is a bigger back with speed. Both LeShoure and Ford could see carries this fall, especially LeShoure as a compliment to Troy Pollard and Daniel Dufrene. Still on the radar is Jamie Harper, though it would be a surprise if he chose the Illini. He is arguably the top RB in the nation and is the same type of back that Mendenhall was. Harper would win the starting job by the beginning of the Big 10 season this fall if decides to come to Illinois.
Those QB and RB can't do much behind a poor offensive line, so it's a good thing Illinois is about to top off a solid 5-man OL class. Headlining the class is Graham Pocic from Lemont, Illinois. As talented as he is on the field (which is very), he is similarly talented in recruiting. Pocic has been in the ear of many players that will be signing with the Illini on Wednesday. He is probably the only one in this group that could see the field as a freshman, but hopefully all will redshirt. Connecticut's Ryan Sedlacek, Chicago's Jeffrey Allen, and Pennsylvania's Tyler Sands are all athletic, but strong linemen needed to block for a spread offense. I am also including Corey Lewis (PA) in this class as I believe he signs with Illinois. According to Frank Frangie on Inside Illini, this has been a true sleeper/late bloomer that the Illini found before other big programs did. He's going to be very good.
With Jeff Cumberland's departure to receiver, Illinois once again finds itself in a position where two freshmen will see the field. While the Hooman should have the starting position locked down, he's not much more than a blocker and short yardage TE. Hubie Graham (PA) and London Davis (IL) are both better receiving threats, especially Davis, but is further behind Graham in development right now. Graham will definitely see the field as a freshman and is definitely a blocker first, pass-catch second TE. Davis could redshirt, but also could see time as the third TE. Only time will tell.
Last but certainly not least on offense is the wide receivers, where Illinois has stocked up on talented players to fill out the depth chart. AJ Jenkins, who originally committed to Georgia Tech, headlines the class and will play this fall. Florida really wanted this guy (like a few others that will be signing with Illinois) and he will be a good one who should contribute as a returner as well. Cordale Scott will likely be a WR at Illinois, though he may have more potential as safety or linebacker. Still, he's quite the talent and was plucked out of Ohio State hot bead Glenville High in inner-city Cleveland. OSU wanted him badly. Fred Sykes (FL) is already enrolled but should still be a redshirt candidate. I figure Jack Ramsey initially gets a look at WR. The QB from Chicago Simeon is a talent at QB, but his height (or the lack there of) is going to send him to the slot or to the secondary. He is fast and should be great in the open field.
One reason why Ramsey to the secondary may not be completely necessary (his highest potential probably is at CB) is it's not going to be any easier to get playing time. Vontae is likely gone after this season, but Miami Thomas (*pats self on back for pimping this guy last season*...go back in this blog, it's there...I said this kid would be a good one) has emerged as a big time CB, Travon Bellamy isn't necessarily a lock to move to safety, and Dere Hicks and Chris Duvalt are now upperclassmen. Antonio Gully hasn't seen the field much, but he's around.
The recruiting hall is headlined by Patrick Nixon (FL), who was clearly the best corner at the Illinois and Florida camps. Both schools wanted him badly, Illinois is going to get him. Will see the field early. Tavon Wilson, who originally committed to Maryland, is really another guy that is underrated on scout and rivals. He is very talented. I'm not saying we should compare anyone, but the previous two 3-star CB we took from the DC area turned out to be a lot better than their ranking (Davis and Bellamy, for those scoring at home). Wilson will as well and likely sees the field as a freshman. There's also Ashante Williams (OH) whose body analogy to other CB is that of Rashard Mendenhall to other RB. Cordale Scott called him the best corner he's ever faced after squaring off at an Illinois camp. That may just be some in-state love for Williams, but there is certainly some potential in him. Could see time on special teams as a freshman, but more likely is a redshirt candidate.
At safety, opponents will tremble when they start watching game tape of Donsay Hardeman, who will be considered a bust if he doesn't knock 12 players unconscious, decapitating 3 of them, this season. His hitting ability is already a legend on Illinois message boards, his play in Champaign may make him one on the field. the Juco transfer has been on Zook's radar since high school and for good reason, the guy is pretty damn good and should start this fall. Jack Ramsey or Ashante Williams could end up at safety. Supo Sanni's (IL) first look will be at safety, though he has big time potential at OLB after some time with the Body by Lou plan.
Linebacker is easily the area on this Illinois team with the least depth and the Illini have not really brought in any big names this season. That said, there are many talented players and from them a few should develop into quality Big 10 LB. Justin Staples (OH) is my favorite from the group to see the field early, especially on special teams. Nate Palmer (IL) is really the only SAM in this class, though some feel he is underrated due to being injured his junior season and then an early commitment to Illinois. I think he redshirts, as does Russell Ellington (IL), though either could see the field on special teams.
The rich get richer on the defensive line (and an early look to '09 recruiting shows that the Illini aren't stopping with this class). Cory Liuget (FL) is the best player in this year's class and will be a three-year player at DL. Liuget is a monster who projects as a DT. Everyone in Florida knows this guy is the most underrated player in the nation, which says something for a rivals top 100 player. Florida, Miami, FSU, LSU, OSU...you name the school, they wish Cory was signing with them. Fortunately for us, he won't be. Whitney Mercilus (OH) needs to redshirt, but has big time potential a rush-end with some bulk. He has the makings of another Will Davis. Reggie Ellis is another very talented DT and he is already enrolled at Illinois. Even with him getting here a semester early, I think he redshirts due to the depth in front of him. Glen Foster is a redshirt candidate that has the same frame and high school alma mater as Simeon Rice, so hopefully Foster can develop at even half the rate that Rice did at Illinois. A good prospect that has not been talked about much since his early commitment. Also joining this class is Ugochukwu Uzodinma (MD), originally committed to Virginia, whom the staff really likes at DE.
Illinois looks to replace the departing Jason Reda with freshman Derek Dimke, who will walk-on as a freshman and likely earn a scholarship after winning the starting job. I think he wins it as a freshman, but it may take a year...depends on Eller and Brandabur's development).
This should be the complete Illinois recruiting class. When you count Corey Lewis as a commitment, that leaves one scholarship for the class and it's for Jamie Harper. If Harper takes it, great. If not, the Illini will make a decision on one remaining player (if you have insider on scout, you know who). Personally, I think the Illini should bank the ride for next season if Harper announces for Clemson (as expected). After a few larger classes, the Illini will not have as many scholarships to offer for next season and there is a very talented class in Illinois and the Illini will be even more of a presence nationally after their Rose Bowl appearance this season. The '09 recruiting class is off to a great start with DE/OLB Melvin Fellows (arguably the top player in Ohio next season...and one that OSU is not going to let go easily), Leon Hill (top OL in Illinois, top 3 OL and top 50 overall by Rivals), and Lendell Buckner (top DT in Illinois).
Offense:
Jacob Charest comes from North Carolina, where he has quite successfully QB'd one of NC's best 7A schools. He doesn't have the arm strength of Juice (few do), but he can make all the throws that a QB needs to make and could have a lot of success in the mold of a Chase Daniel-type in Illinois' spread offense. Hopefully he can redshirt this season, though he will fight Eddie McGee for backup duties and the Illini are not very deep at QB, especially with Garza not returning for his final season of eligibility.
At running back, Illinois brings in two talented in-state players. Mikel LeShoure hails from Champaign and has already enrolled at Illinois, giving him a head start on Jason Ford of Belleville. Both are similar in their style. LeShoure is fast but isn't a real home run threat. Ford could be described as a poor man's Rashard Mendenhall and I think has the greater potential of the pair. While he doesn't have Rashard's frame, Ford is a bigger back with speed. Both LeShoure and Ford could see carries this fall, especially LeShoure as a compliment to Troy Pollard and Daniel Dufrene. Still on the radar is Jamie Harper, though it would be a surprise if he chose the Illini. He is arguably the top RB in the nation and is the same type of back that Mendenhall was. Harper would win the starting job by the beginning of the Big 10 season this fall if decides to come to Illinois.
Those QB and RB can't do much behind a poor offensive line, so it's a good thing Illinois is about to top off a solid 5-man OL class. Headlining the class is Graham Pocic from Lemont, Illinois. As talented as he is on the field (which is very), he is similarly talented in recruiting. Pocic has been in the ear of many players that will be signing with the Illini on Wednesday. He is probably the only one in this group that could see the field as a freshman, but hopefully all will redshirt. Connecticut's Ryan Sedlacek, Chicago's Jeffrey Allen, and Pennsylvania's Tyler Sands are all athletic, but strong linemen needed to block for a spread offense. I am also including Corey Lewis (PA) in this class as I believe he signs with Illinois. According to Frank Frangie on Inside Illini, this has been a true sleeper/late bloomer that the Illini found before other big programs did. He's going to be very good.
With Jeff Cumberland's departure to receiver, Illinois once again finds itself in a position where two freshmen will see the field. While the Hooman should have the starting position locked down, he's not much more than a blocker and short yardage TE. Hubie Graham (PA) and London Davis (IL) are both better receiving threats, especially Davis, but is further behind Graham in development right now. Graham will definitely see the field as a freshman and is definitely a blocker first, pass-catch second TE. Davis could redshirt, but also could see time as the third TE. Only time will tell.
Last but certainly not least on offense is the wide receivers, where Illinois has stocked up on talented players to fill out the depth chart. AJ Jenkins, who originally committed to Georgia Tech, headlines the class and will play this fall. Florida really wanted this guy (like a few others that will be signing with Illinois) and he will be a good one who should contribute as a returner as well. Cordale Scott will likely be a WR at Illinois, though he may have more potential as safety or linebacker. Still, he's quite the talent and was plucked out of Ohio State hot bead Glenville High in inner-city Cleveland. OSU wanted him badly. Fred Sykes (FL) is already enrolled but should still be a redshirt candidate. I figure Jack Ramsey initially gets a look at WR. The QB from Chicago Simeon is a talent at QB, but his height (or the lack there of) is going to send him to the slot or to the secondary. He is fast and should be great in the open field.
One reason why Ramsey to the secondary may not be completely necessary (his highest potential probably is at CB) is it's not going to be any easier to get playing time. Vontae is likely gone after this season, but Miami Thomas (*pats self on back for pimping this guy last season*...go back in this blog, it's there...I said this kid would be a good one) has emerged as a big time CB, Travon Bellamy isn't necessarily a lock to move to safety, and Dere Hicks and Chris Duvalt are now upperclassmen. Antonio Gully hasn't seen the field much, but he's around.
The recruiting hall is headlined by Patrick Nixon (FL), who was clearly the best corner at the Illinois and Florida camps. Both schools wanted him badly, Illinois is going to get him. Will see the field early. Tavon Wilson, who originally committed to Maryland, is really another guy that is underrated on scout and rivals. He is very talented. I'm not saying we should compare anyone, but the previous two 3-star CB we took from the DC area turned out to be a lot better than their ranking (Davis and Bellamy, for those scoring at home). Wilson will as well and likely sees the field as a freshman. There's also Ashante Williams (OH) whose body analogy to other CB is that of Rashard Mendenhall to other RB. Cordale Scott called him the best corner he's ever faced after squaring off at an Illinois camp. That may just be some in-state love for Williams, but there is certainly some potential in him. Could see time on special teams as a freshman, but more likely is a redshirt candidate.
At safety, opponents will tremble when they start watching game tape of Donsay Hardeman, who will be considered a bust if he doesn't knock 12 players unconscious, decapitating 3 of them, this season. His hitting ability is already a legend on Illinois message boards, his play in Champaign may make him one on the field. the Juco transfer has been on Zook's radar since high school and for good reason, the guy is pretty damn good and should start this fall. Jack Ramsey or Ashante Williams could end up at safety. Supo Sanni's (IL) first look will be at safety, though he has big time potential at OLB after some time with the Body by Lou plan.
Linebacker is easily the area on this Illinois team with the least depth and the Illini have not really brought in any big names this season. That said, there are many talented players and from them a few should develop into quality Big 10 LB. Justin Staples (OH) is my favorite from the group to see the field early, especially on special teams. Nate Palmer (IL) is really the only SAM in this class, though some feel he is underrated due to being injured his junior season and then an early commitment to Illinois. I think he redshirts, as does Russell Ellington (IL), though either could see the field on special teams.
The rich get richer on the defensive line (and an early look to '09 recruiting shows that the Illini aren't stopping with this class). Cory Liuget (FL) is the best player in this year's class and will be a three-year player at DL. Liuget is a monster who projects as a DT. Everyone in Florida knows this guy is the most underrated player in the nation, which says something for a rivals top 100 player. Florida, Miami, FSU, LSU, OSU...you name the school, they wish Cory was signing with them. Fortunately for us, he won't be. Whitney Mercilus (OH) needs to redshirt, but has big time potential a rush-end with some bulk. He has the makings of another Will Davis. Reggie Ellis is another very talented DT and he is already enrolled at Illinois. Even with him getting here a semester early, I think he redshirts due to the depth in front of him. Glen Foster is a redshirt candidate that has the same frame and high school alma mater as Simeon Rice, so hopefully Foster can develop at even half the rate that Rice did at Illinois. A good prospect that has not been talked about much since his early commitment. Also joining this class is Ugochukwu Uzodinma (MD), originally committed to Virginia, whom the staff really likes at DE.
Illinois looks to replace the departing Jason Reda with freshman Derek Dimke, who will walk-on as a freshman and likely earn a scholarship after winning the starting job. I think he wins it as a freshman, but it may take a year...depends on Eller and Brandabur's development).
This should be the complete Illinois recruiting class. When you count Corey Lewis as a commitment, that leaves one scholarship for the class and it's for Jamie Harper. If Harper takes it, great. If not, the Illini will make a decision on one remaining player (if you have insider on scout, you know who). Personally, I think the Illini should bank the ride for next season if Harper announces for Clemson (as expected). After a few larger classes, the Illini will not have as many scholarships to offer for next season and there is a very talented class in Illinois and the Illini will be even more of a presence nationally after their Rose Bowl appearance this season. The '09 recruiting class is off to a great start with DE/OLB Melvin Fellows (arguably the top player in Ohio next season...and one that OSU is not going to let go easily), Leon Hill (top OL in Illinois, top 3 OL and top 50 overall by Rivals), and Lendell Buckner (top DT in Illinois).
posted by JayD at 7:48 AM
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