Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Tyrane Stewart
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 5, 2023
The Illinois football staff appears to be locked in with Tyrane Stewart, a cornerback from Magnolia, Mississippi. Now the 6-foot-1, 180-pound cornerback attends East Mississippi C.C. and received an offer from Illinois last week.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Clay Patterson
By Steve Sturm - IlliniGuys Football Analyst
December 4, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Yale Athletics)
Its no surprise that Illinois was going to go after mature and experienced players to make up for the loss of Jer'Zhan Newton, Keith Randolph and Denzel Daxon, their starting three defensive lineman from last year. However, I have to say I was surprised to see the commitment from Yale lineman Clay Patterson to Illinois just as the conference championship games were starting and the college football playoff match-ups weren't even set. Patterson reported offers from several high major schools after only a few days in the transfer portal, and more would likely have been on the way had he waited for more interest. So, this is a big get for Illinois both literally for the 6'3, 290 pounder and figuratively given the state of the defensive line depth chart.
What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?
Patterson's best asset is his pass rushing ability, and though he's a bigger guy, I have to say
The Farrell Files Illinois - A Recent Commit & Three Portal Targets That Will Help
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
December 4, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the most recent commitment (a huge one) and name a few key portal targets that may not be sexy but will certainly help.
Sturdy's Soliloquy - Illini Roll Past Rutgers
Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio
December 3, 2023
The Illini dominated Rutgers at the RAC 76-58 on Saturday behind a tremendous performance from Terrence Shannon, who had 23 points 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks as they moved to 6-1 and 1-0 in Big Ten play as they began their road trip. The return of Coleman Hawkins solidified the defense as Illinois held Rutgers to 33% shooting and stifled the interior game of the Scarlet Knights.
Marcus Domask added 13 points to help Shannon and the Illini also dominated the glass, doubling up Rutgers 55-27 and grabbing 19 offensive rebounds. Defense and rebounding is a great recipe for success in the Big Ten and nationally and the Illini had it on full display Saturday.
These 3 Things (Plus a Bonus Thing)
Ked's Look at the Football Transfer Portal
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 3, 2023
The NCAA Transfer Portal might become Illinois head coach Bret Bielema's best friend this offseason. He made his feelings known about the portal and how it is run but will use it when it is needed; it appears this coming year several positions are key.
Here is the list of transfers the IlliniGuys can confirm that offers have been made or that players have reached out to the staff showing their interest in the program.
Illini Defense Suffocates Rutgers in Big Ten Opening Win
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer December 2, 2023 Piscataway, […]
Illini Get Much Needed D-Line Commitment - Clay Patterson
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting December 2, 2023 […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Jack Anderson
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 2, 2023
Illinois prep Jack Anderson had an unofficial visit to Illinois last weekend. According to Anderson, it was everything he thought it would be.
Illini MB Preview - Big Ten Opener at Rutgers
Brad Sturdy, Co-Host Sports Spectacular and Big Sports Radio
December 2, 2023
Big Ten Opener
It’s Big Ten season, or at least the first leg of the December portion of Big Ten season and the Illini are on the road again. The Illini haven’t left the friendly confines of the State Farm Center but will now head to New Jersey and the RAC for a showdown with a tough and physical Rutgers squad featuring All Conference performer Clif Omoruyi. It’s never easy on the road in the Big Ten but the Illini are in need of a quick start to the Big Ten season and a signature win in early December before a difficult week.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Donovan Williams, Jr.
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 1, 2023
Illinois men's assistant basketball coach Chester Frazier is at it again. Frazier is money when it comes to trusting his eye for talent.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Andrew Dennis
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
December 1, 2023
For those of you who were excited about Illinois' flip of offensive lineman Andrew Dennis from Michigan State to Illinois despite Dennis having a Penn State offer, I have good news and bad news for you. First the bad news: Dennis isn't any better than Illinois' other two offensive line recruits: Brandon Hansen and Zafir Stewart. Then the good news: Hansen and Stewart are awfully good too.
Illini OL Zachary Barlev Announces Intention to Enter Transfer Portal
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
December 1, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — An offensive lineman who was an integral part of Bret Bielema’s ‘Barge’ package in the nine-overtime victory at Penn State in 2021 has elected to enter the transfer portal.
Bielema Claims He Doesn’t Anticipate Making Illini Coaching Staff Changes For 2024 Season
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema hinted in his end-of-season media conference that he doesn’t anticipate making any assistant coach changes for the upcoming 2024 season.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
December 1, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — Following a 5-7 campaign, Bret Bielema wanted to make clear that he plans to “double down” on his philosophy and program building mentality.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Football Recruiting Moves Forward After Challenging Season
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
November 30, 2023
There is an old saying that coaches are only as good as the players on the field. In Illinois' case, this was evident this past football season. The Illini football team finished the season with a disappointing 5-7 record, leaving a fanbase confused and angry, and some expected it. Illinois lost 12 players to the NFL, some drafted and others signed as undrafted free agents and camp invites.
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