Coach Tre Kelly Fighting Illini Recruiting Weekly

It is tough when a coach takes over a team in the middle on the season. Recruiting is hard as well. Most of the recruits on our list were looking forward to play for coach Zook. So I went down the list and only 1 recruit wanted to be a Fighting Illini. Looking at the team I had figure out where we needed help and I think the Defense is where my focus is at. We want to work with our D line and Linebackers. We contacted quite a few guys who we thought could help our D. We also want to work with our Offensive Line as well. So we contacted some big guys that could help. I think that we are stacked in Skills position. So we didn’t bother to go after any QBS RBS WRS or TE. We did try to go after some big name guys that will be great for the program. I hope they can deal with the cold weather up here!!!!!!!!!!

Total Recruits: 20

5 star (3)
4 star (4)
3 star(12)
2 star (1)

Commits: 2 star FS Bryan Snyder 5’11 198 Burbank IL

This year we changed out approach when it came to recruiting. We put a lot more time into the process than we did last year and this year we improved so much more. Each one of our commits are in the top 20 of their positions. We plan to bring in more big name guys after the season is over. Here are the 6 players who choose Illinois as their home for next year.

#5 DT 4* Mike Robinson 6'4 288 Crystal Lake IL: Great Strength and Size. had 16.0 Sacks his senior year.

#12 DT 4* Caleb Patrick 6'0 266 Gladeview FL: A Short DT with alot of power and great quickness.

#15 Punter 3* Tyler Richard 5'11 203 Newport, AL: great leg power but needs work on accuracy.

#20 WR 4* Billy Boone 6'0 166 Conneaut, OH: A real speedster who was a great returner in his prep days. Led Ohio in Return Yards. Still needs work at receiver. But is very dangerous with the ball in hand.

#4 WR 4* Jamie Ivey 6'5 202 Mesquite TX: Was the #1 recruit on my list. Great size and great speed. Runs a 4.34 40 yard dash. Led the Mesquite Skeeters to their 2nd state Championship in 3 years.

#12 Guard 5* David Morgan 6'2 341 Bensenville, IL: Will be a great addition to the O-line. Big and Powerful. Will be a great pulling Guard.

The Fighting Illini receive two big recruits in week8


#16/ 4* OLB Chris McKinney ST. Joseph MI 6'3 218

McKinney is a tall and fast OLB. He will be able to use his height and speed to advantage. Lead his 5A team to their first playoff appearance in 15 years with 99 Tackles 11 Sacks and 3 Ints.

#7/ 4* WR Clint Bailey Pascagoula, MS 6'5 182

Bailey will be another speed threat for the Illini. At 6'5 we will be another big target for the passing game. Bailey Clocked in with a 4.42 40 yard dash. Teams are going to have to figure out what to do when they have to defend to 6'5 giants with speed at WR. Bailey led the State of Mississippi in receptions and yards.