Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert

February 16, 2024

(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at an interesting new offer in the 2025 class and break down 2024 signee DE Angelo McCullom in four key categories.

Texas WR Taz Williams might not look like a kid Illinois would offer or have a shot at. The 6-0, 180 pounder has offers from programs like Texas A&M, Auburn, Alabama, Florida State, Florida and others but there is a method to this madness. Williams originally hails from Pittsburgh and is a Midwestern kid at heart so teams like Penn State, Pitt and now Illinois have a shot. He says he wants to visit, Illinois wants to recruit and make more inroads in Texas and with his Midwestern connections he’s a good kid to start with. If he visits then things can happen. While it’s unlikely I think he’s a kid who might give them a longer look than some think.

And while February is slow as heck for recruiting, I continue to break down the 2024 class with Angelo McCollum in four categories.

STRENGTHS: he’s a gap shooter with the ability to grow into a DT if needed and keep that quick get off and ability to push from the middle. If he stays at DE, he will work well off contact and if he slides inside, he will be skinny when needed and disrupt with quickness.

WEAKNESSES: He’s a tweener which is good because of versatility but he’s also a tweener because he lacks elite speed. He’s quick off the snap but won’t beat you outside and struggled chasing at times. He’s a “feel rusher” to me who works best off contact but won’t dominate with elite speed.

EARLY IMPACT: He is big at 6-3 and 260 and physically I can see him making an impact especially with the need at DL. He’s a rotational guy at first but could get on the field next season.

FLIGHT RISK: He’s from Ohio so not too far away and if he leaves it would likely be as a drop down to the MAC, but he seems very committed and dedicated and he’s close enough to home to avoid homesickness.