With Signing Day now coming to a close and the class being official, I just thought I'd share some thoughts. First off props to these young men for choosing the Illini in times of adversity. It shows a lot about one's character and will to build something great in the face of negativity. I have no doubt they will. Props to the staff as well because they did not lay down like some in this fanbase and some who follow the program are doing. They went out and signed a very solid class and filled a lot of needs. This is not a flashy class, but they have a chance to be very good. Some plus athletes in the trenches and at the skill positions. McGriff brings an electric, bring the crowd to its feet kind of game to the return game and gives them plenty of options as a WR. Nation is the definition of a power RB who can wear down a defense. Has some solid feet so he will surprise people when he breaks a 40 yard run while wearing the defense down. He isn't overly developed physically and so it will be very interesting to see how he will be after time in the S&C program. Theiman has all around playmaking ability and led a team in receiving that had plenty of 4 star WR's/the top rated WR in 2017. Peters is a solid QB recruit with some size, a good arm and nice athleticism.
At TE Holcombe, Trainer and Palmer all bring much needed size, length, toughness and athleticism to to TE position. I think Holcombe can play some WR as well at 6'5, 225 pounds with a 4.5 40. Trainer brings elite size and growth potential at TE. As with Nation, he doesn't look overly developed physically so I will say this, either he will be an absolute monster TE or he is going to be a LT who is going to garner top of the draft type of hype. Bold prediction I know. Palmer's frame and athleticism combo is like Holcombe's. Not as explosive but still explosive enough that when he puts on weight he will be an absolute mismatch at TE. Encouraging to see that long TD on his highlights. Palmer and Jackson are my two sleepers in this class who everybody should keep an eye on. All these guys are also willing blockers/not afraid to mix it up. Lee, Fish, Kramer, Cerny and Gavin on the OL all bring toughness and athleticism as well. Really like the toughness those guys bring especially Lee. Fish is intriguing and will be a stud. Two back to back solid classes there which is what you have to do because it starts in the trenches.
On defense, I felt like the DL could have added another body or two but I am a defense kind of guy and it starts with the DL. Still the additions that they added were very good and much needed. Pulley and Oliver give them two ready to go guys at SDE. They really needed that with Ward going on to dominate in the NFL, Nelson graduating and James leaving. Both will grow and be able to play all across the DL. Getting them with the offers they had was big time. I said this in the other thread, and I don't care what anyone says, but Kenyon Jackson has some Aaron Donald in him. To be that big and that quick is something. He doesn't have the height but he is one to watch out for at DT. Definitely got the good genes from his All Pro father Keith Jackson. Brandon Jones has length and moves well for a big guy. A project no doubt but I will take guys like that all day because you can't teach 6'5, 240 pounds with movement skills. He is also from a football family which seems to be a common theme with a lot of these guys.
At LB, they added a lot of athleticism which is what I think they needed. Obviously getting Harding was huge because he is ready to step in from day one at 6'1, 240 pounds and a physical style of play. He is a tone setter and is destined for great things as an Illini. Shogbonyo runs like a deer and is intriguing after he redshirts and adds weight. Hansen IMO is very similar to Monheim except he probably has more top end speed. Liked to see him take a pass 60+ yards to the house on his highlight tape. Abercrombie makes a lot of plays and gets more INT's on his tape than just about any LB I've seen. He is a playmaker. All those guys will hit you and can run so there is a lot of intrigue there as they continue to put on weight (Harding is ready now).
At DB there is a lot of length there. Clayton isn't overly fast but is fast enough. He makes a lot of plays on the ball in the air or on the ground and is very physical. At 6'2, 190 he will put on weight and become a good SS IMO. Also love that he is yet another son of a former NFL player. Evan Jones is very intriguing at CB at 6'2, 190 and 4.4 speed. Liked the fact that he trains with Ray Buchanan down there. Hayes is another long CB. He might not be the fastest but he is a press type of CB who is very good at jamming the WR. He also makes plays on the ball. Stanley Green is the DB I like the most out of the group. Brings that ESL toughness to the Illini. At 6'1, 185 or so he is VERY physical and a ballhawk. Good instincts as well. I think he has the makings of a heck of a FS. Trenard Davis is a playmaker and wherever he plays at he will be a contributor. Very nice to get him back in the fold.
The K McCourt is a stud and gives the Illini yet another Saint Aquinas connection to handle the kicking duties (After the very underrated Justin DuVernois). Overall this class is exactly what the Illini need. It filled needs and they got better athletically at just about every position. Also added some much needed size with guys who are big but still have growth potential. Again a very solid class (Great when you consider the circumstances) with a lot of potential in it. One other thing I really like is there is some real position versatility which is one of the things I always cite when looking at prospects. These guys will be a part of something special at Illinois.
ThaKid is one of my favorite posters of all time, his unintentional comedy was/is up there with Penn State fans.
