Farrell Files Illinois - New 2025 Offer & Angelo McCullom Evaluation

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.

Podcasts

Andrej Stojakovic Selects the Fighting Illini - #480

Listen

Apr 25 - Hr2 - S4Ep37 - Illini Spring Football with Matt Stevens

Listen

Apr 25 - Hr1 - S4Ep37 - Illini Hoops, Golf & Bears News

Listen

Serbian PG Mihailo Petrovic Commits - #479

Listen

Portal Kombat – April 21, 2025 Edition - #478

Listen

Apr 18 - Hr2 - S4Ep36 - WNBA, NFL Draft & Masters

Listen

Apr 18 - Hr1 - S4Ep36 - Portal Kombat Updates - Hoops & Gridiron

Listen

Portal Kombat – April 13, 2025 Edition - #477

Listen

Apr 11 - Hr2 - S4Ep35 - Guests Galore

Listen

Apr 11 - Hr1 - S4Ep35 - Portal Kombat & Ballpark Food Recommendations

Listen

Portal Kombat – March 30, 2025 Edition - #476

Listen

Mar 28 - Hr2 - S4Ep33 - Illini Seasons End

Listen

Mar 28 - Hr1 - S4Ep33 - Illini Seasons End

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Men’s Season Ends with Loss to Kentucky Wildcats - #475

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Women Win First NCAA Tourney Game Since March 2000 - #474

Listen