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Illinois will be led by three-year starter Tarique Barnes but need to figure out his sidekick in fall camp.  

By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst

July 19, 2023

(Cover photo courtesy David Banks/USA TODAY Sports)

For all the talk of Illinois being a cradle of middle linebackers in the history of the game with names like Dick Butkus, Dana Howard and Kevin Hardy, the last time the Illini program saw an inside-the-box linebacker be selected in the draft by a National Football League franchise was Martez Wilson in 2011. 

This statistic of futility may likely change if Tarique Barnes can put together another solid season as the counted-on, veteran inside linebacker in an Illinois defense that has a lot of dangerous talent near the line-of-scrimmage. 

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

July 19, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll take a look at DB commitment Chase Green, I’ll rank WR Carlos Orr and compare his ranking elsewhere.

Illinois is trying to replace three members of its defensive backfield drafted to the National Football League this past April. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 18, 2023

There is an argument to be made that Illinois very well could be facing this massive level of talent loss in a specific position group for the first time in program history. 

Illinois Athletics Press Release July 18, 2023 CHAMPAIGN, Ill.– Illinois […]

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 18, 2023

Illini assistant coach Chester Frazier made a big impact with the Illini's newest recruit, so much so that a visit is in the works.

Illinois will be led by first-year special teams coordinator Robbie Discher where he’ll be involved in a unit that returns the kicker, punter and punt return. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 17, 2023

After being hired at Illinois, Bret Bielema’s first objective was to teach his new players how to use special teams to not lose games

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

July 17, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll break down another of the early commitments and give my ranking on WR Tysean Griffin.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 16, 2023

Illinois football appears to be very successful in the Sunshine State recruiting.

Illinois defensive linemen Jer'Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph both represent Bret Bielema’s best recruiting job this winter as they return to Illini and will be at 2023 Big Ten Media Day. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

July 15, 2023

In the week leading up to a decision to come back to Illinois for a fourth season, both Keith Randolph and Jer'Zhan Newton agree they were on the phone with Illini head coach Bret Bielema, defensive coordinator Aaron Henry and most importantly, themselves. 

(Editor's Note: Bradley Locker and David Gold of Inside […]

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

July 14, 2023

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

In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll continue to break down the recent commits by looking at local DE Joe Barna and I’ll continue my own ratings for the class with RB Ca’lil Valentine.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 13, 2023

Chicago--Illinois women's 6-foot-6 basketball recruit Hayven Smith, already committed to Illinois, was on the big courts at the national EYBL Nike tournament held in the Windy City this past weekend.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 13, 2023

When you are over 3,000 miles away and live in Alaska, it is probably tough to be recruited to play in the Big Ten. Illinois fans, please meet Layla Hays, probably one of the best-hidden basketball prospects in the entire country.

Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting

July 12, 2023

Chicago--Illinois recruit Divine Bourrage showed the entire country why she is one of the country's best players.

Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert

July 12, 2023

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

It’s the dead period so in this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll continue to catch up on the recent commits and begin comparing my personal Illini commit rankings with those of the industry.