I think in the long run this class may be the best 2011 class signed. Its also interesting how 25 often uses different rankings to suit his agenda. First Rivals last year before the Illini came on strong...now Scout who still doesn't even have all the committments/signings right. Like I said, I would be willing to bet there aren't 3 classes better and I believe there will be no 2011 class better. What is interesting is that Rivals ranks the Illini 8th, but their position rankings would lead you to believe otherwise. I'll provide the link but the Illini rank as the following:
QB: #4 behind OSU, Nebraska and MSU but O'Toole "could be the steal of the B10 if he keeps improving". He's already underrated to begin with...you tell me if you think that improvement will continue under Petrino/Brohm. O'Toole is big time...but don't ask me. Ask every single person who has seen him play or like the 2011 class overall, you'll just be surprised when you see him.
RB: #6 behind Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Iowa and Purdue. We all know how underrated Donovonn Young is and Fergueson is already up to 188 pounds so think about that. Also think about the fact that Coe might not even qualify, etc. With those two guys, they might outplay this ranking in their first two years. Both are very smart and both are very tough...oh did I mention they're both physical freaks strength wise with the speed to run away from defenders? Oh and that OL they'll be running behind? One of the biggest, most physical and best OL's in the country. And they have more of those big, mean, nasty, smart, athletic OL waiting in the wings.
WR: #5 behind Indiana, MSU, NW and Minnesota. Looks about right for now but it wouldn't surprise me to see a few of the Illini freshman WR's play above their ranking. Knight, Whitlow AND Frysinger all bring stud attributes in one or a few areas.
TE: Tied for last with Nebraska but that's because Davis and Lacosse are ranked as athletes. I'm telling you now there won't be a duo better and they just may be the two most gifted TE recruits signed in the B10 last year individually. Davis is instant impact and when Lacosse puts on weight he will be the definition of mismatch. I think he's better than CJ Fiedorowicz. Not only because he's supremely athletic, but he's extremely tough and he's a leader. Davis takes the same qualities from those who have seen him play.
OL: #7 behind Nebraska, Iowa, Penn State, MSU, OSU and Minnesota. We all know how strong the Illini OL is now and they've continued to churn out pro prospects who are underrated. They have guys like Pocic who were highly ranked who is going to be a big deal when his time comes from for the NFL draft, but I'm talking the Jon Asamoah's, Jeff Allen's, Hugh Thornton's, etc. Long term there probably won't be a LT better than Flavin or a guard better than Boles. Durkin is better than OSU's center Bobek (We had this argument last year). McDowell is definitely underrated and might just factor this year...if not very early. He has put on weight and is athletic...just a strong OL recruit. Karras looks solid as well. Not worried at all here because it was a very good OL class.
DT: #3 behind OSU and Nebraska. I'm telling you now...if all 3 qualify, there won't be a group better and there will be few around the country who can claim that type of size, talent and potential. Jones is instant impact from day one and will be a big deal. Tucker will be as well. I just don't know if its as immediate as Jones but he has the size and strength plus he is from East Saint Louis so you know he's as tough as can get. He has a good head on his shoulders as well so I'm very excited about Tucker. Oh and he hates OSU from reading the HQ profiles from Signing Day...can it get any better? Beavers I think is behind only because he just started playing DT, but his film would show otherwise and he has a lot to work with as well.
DE: #8 behind PSU, OSU, Michigan, Wisconsin, NW, MSU and Minnesota. Probably about right but O'Connor is very solid and Nelson is just coming into his own. He could be a big 6'5, 270+ pound monster DE in the future. O'Connor could be a 260+ pound beast too but Nelson has a huge frame. If you count Caldwell here, assuming he qualifies, then its better than 8th. Top 4 at the least. If he gets big enough for DE he is going to be a monster but he will be a monster bandit prospect anyway. I really hope he qualifies. With the type of DE/bandit talent they already have on campus (Big time talent) this is a very solid group at the least.
LB: #10 with only NW and Purdue being lower. They only signed 2 LB's so probably about right...but both of these guys are good and could be very good. I think Cooper could be better than his ranking not only because of the fact that he is good, but also because he is motivated. In his interviews he said he felt like he was good enough for Clemson, South Carolina, etc. offers and he didn't get them so he has a chip on his shoulder. That makes it worst for B10 teams in the future because he already makes plays and plays with a mean streak. Dickinson is probably the sleeper of the conference at LB and would be an instant impact guy if the LB core wasn't so good. He has put on weight and he is a stud.
DB: #4 behind OSU, Nebraska and Michigan. They got an absolute steal in Cooper who UGA fans were hoping they would get. He just won a few track state titles in Georgia BTW. Tough, fast, smart and super athletic is a very good combination when making a projection from RB to CB. North is underrated and I think he could factor from day one if needed (But because of a strong secondary maybe not). Ball hawk and he is just tough. Spence looks good. I was really hoping for Thornton too but Spence is good. Assuming Kirby's knee is healthy, and it sounds like it is, there will be no DB better in the B10 who was signed in the 2011 class. Kirby is a freaking stud as a 6'3, 200 pound corner or a ball hawking FS.
ATH: They are rated #5 but Davis and Lacosse are TE's, Cooper is a DB. All three could project at other positions too (Both Lacosse and Davis could be monster defensive prospects and Cooper could be an exciting RB/slot WR).
Like I said, I would be willing to bet there won't be 3 classes better and I believe this will be the best class in the B10 when all is said and done...just like the 2008 class.
