illinifan180 wrote:

Topiary wrote: It's amazing that we haven't gotten a commit already - especially when you look at the upcoming Senior talent already here in the state.  Seems like most of our competition has at least one commit. Iowa finally appears to have woke up and has 2 of their top 4 state of Iowa prospects locked up - and their leading for a couple of ours.   C'mon Becks get someone on board

For everyone that does not think instate recruiting is important, look at the starts that Iowa, Wisconsin, MSO, OSU, even Minny has to their 2014 class.  All have 1 or more 4* commits on board and almost every one is an instate kid.  Unless you truly recuit on a national scale (USC, Alabama, Michigan), your first kids are almost always instate.

I agree, but Illinois needs to start winning (or showing signs that it can be competitive) to get many Illinois kids to jump on the bandwagon.

MattHeldman91 wrote:

illinifan180 wrote:

Topiary wrote: It's amazing that we haven't gotten a commit already - especially when you look at the upcoming Senior talent already here in the state.  Seems like most of our competition has at least one commit. Iowa finally appears to have woke up and has 2 of their top 4 state of Iowa prospects locked up - and their leading for a couple of ours.   C'mon Becks get someone on board

For everyone that does not think instate recruiting is important, look at the starts that Iowa, Wisconsin, MSO, OSU, even Minny has to their 2014 class.  All have 1 or more 4* commits on board and almost every one is an instate kid.  Unless you truly recuit on a national scale (USC, Alabama, Michigan), your first kids are almost always instate.

I agree, but Illinois needs to start winning (or showing signs that it can be competitive) to get many Illinois kids to jump on the bandwagon.

I know winning would help but you would think as many talented kids in Illinois we could get a couple that want loyalty to us.

osufan12 wrote:

MattHeldman91 wrote:

illinifan180 wrote:

Topiary wrote: It's amazing that we haven't gotten a commit already - especially when you look at the upcoming Senior talent already here in the state.  Seems like most of our competition has at least one commit. Iowa finally appears to have woke up and has 2 of their top 4 state of Iowa prospects locked up - and their leading for a couple of ours.   C'mon Becks get someone on board

For everyone that does not think instate recruiting is important, look at the starts that Iowa, Wisconsin, MSO, OSU, even Minny has to their 2014 class.  All have 1 or more 4* commits on board and almost every one is an instate kid.  Unless you truly recuit on a national scale (USC, Alabama, Michigan), your first kids are almost always instate.

I agree, but Illinois needs to start winning (or showing signs that it can be competitive) to get many Illinois kids to jump on the bandwagon.

I know winning would help but you would think as many talented kids in Illinois we could get a couple that want loyalty to us.

Loyalty helps, but kids want to play on winning teams and not have to worry that the staff is going to turn over every few years.

KewaneeCE1 wrote:

313Illini wrote: rumor is garrett and morgan are ready to announce together the Illini

Would be a great start if true.

lol stay off the drugs fellas...

I'm pretty sure 313's post was an attempt at humor.

Big Bob in Brandon

Let's face it, after all the recent turmoil and disarray in the coaching staff, it'll be a while before any meaningful commitments are made.

there's also a little matter of our conference record.

CapitalIllini wrote:
Let's face it, after all the recent turmoil and disarray in the coaching staff, it'll be a while before any meaningful commitments are made.

I don't expect this class to be better than any in the last 8 years. I feel like the new coach will have a lot of ground to make up with only a few months to put a class together

TheDawson wrote: I don't expect this class to be better than any in the last 8 years. I feel like the new coach will have a lot of ground to make up with only a few months to put a class together

What class are you talking about and what new coach ??

Big Bob in Brandon

buglebob wrote:

TheDawson wrote: I don't expect this class to be better than any in the last 8 years. I feel like the new coach will have a lot of ground to make up with only a few months to put a class together

What class are you talking about and what new coach ??

Big Bob in Brandon

He's saying he expects to have a new coach on next signing day.

Mikey Dudek is waiting to see if he gets any better offers but, if not, he'll definitely take the Illini one.

JimmyTheLayup wrote:

buglebob wrote:

TheDawson wrote: I don't expect this class to be better than any in the last 8 years. I feel like the new coach will have a lot of ground to make up with only a few months to put a class together

What class are you talking about and what new coach ??

Big Bob in Brandon

He's saying he expects to have a new coach on next signing day.

If that is indeed the case I hope Mike Thomas is putting out feelers now.......don't want to go through the drama we went through when we finally hired Beckman (I hope that Beckman turns things around and it is not necessary).  I also think they should get ready to open their checkbook because the next go round in recruiting a new coach will be harder by virtue of the fact that Illinois has been where coaches go to struggle......it will take a very secure person to believe they can come in and completely turn things around.

The first guy smart enough to realize three things:

1. Not going to get a better offer.

2. Still good enough to get on the field.

3. Can get a great education at UofI.

Probably an O lineman.

chitownredbirda wrote: The first guy smart enough to realize three things:

1. Not going to get a better offer.

2. Still good enough to get on the field.

3. Can get a great education at UofI.

Probably an O lineman.

From Ohio !

Big Bob in Brandon

---------------------------------------------
--- buglebob wrote:

chitownredbirda wrote: The first guy smart enough to realize three things:

1. Not going to get a better offer.

2. Still good enough to get on the field.

3. Can get a great education at UofI.

Probably an O lineman.

From Ohio !

Big Bob in Brandon

---------------------------------------------
Good call!

Correction DL from Ohio.

Well just as good - a DL from Ohio is usually a good DL.

We got our OL from the OL rich west (SW) burbs later in the day and he has great size and determination. I'll have my fam in Frankfort keep an eye on Nick Allegretti this coming season.

Off to a better start than expected wigth these first two recruits.

I recall a few seasons back after a much better season on the field, we signed two big 4 star recruits from Leo HS. Both were busts - poor students and lacked disciline. Both were gone quickly before they ever played a meaningfull moment.

These two initial commits for the Illini are both at the opposite ends of the classiness spectrum as far as recruits go. Two solid commits and good news for us all, finally.

Big Bob in Brandon