The Farrell Files Illinois - Talented Teammates Looking at Illinois
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
April 1, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a couple of teammates in play for the Illini from the 2025 and 2026 classes.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Chicago Simeon Prep Cornell Conely Awaits Potential Offer from Illinois
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
March 27, 2024
Cornell Conley, a rising star from Simeon High School in Chicago, Illinois 2026, is making waves in the world of high school football. As a dynamic 5-8, 170-pound wide receiver, Conley has caught the attention of Illinois.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Key QB Targets & Illini Making the Cut for a Chicagoland Star
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 27, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a couple of key quarterback targets and news regarding each as well as the Illini continuing to make the cut for a local.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Xanai Scott
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
March 25, 2024
Illinois followed up an intense recruiting victory for safety Andre Lovett with a fairly easy recruiting win for another safety: Xanai Scott from Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach. As you might guess from the similar name and hometown, Xanai is the brother of current Illinois nickel safety Xavier Scott. I wrote that this was an easy recruiting win for a couple of reasons:
Bret Bielema Among Six Head Coaches Named to the AFCA Board of Trustees
Courtesy AFCA March 25, 2024 WACO, TEXAS — Ohio […]
The Farrell Files Illinois - 2025 B1G Recruiting Rankings
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 25, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois with hoops the focus of the fan base I’ll look at the Illini in the 2025 Big Ten rankings.
Illini Coaches Trying to Find Defensive Back Answers This Spring
Despite finishing 11th in the Big Ten Conference in passing defense, Illinois only acquired one addition to its defensive secondary out of the transfer portal.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
March 22, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Maybe the one consolation to the questions for the Illinois secondary entering this spring season is the coaches have to be somewhat familiar with what and, specifically, who the answers have to be.
After finishing the 2023 season 11th in the Big Ten Conference in passing defense by allowing opponents 228.1 yards per game through the air, Illinois acquired only one addition - sophomore Chase Canada - via the junior college or transfer portal. In his introductory media conference inside the Smith Family Football Complex, new Illini defensive backs coach David Gibbs, who actually gave a rousing defense for the fact that his predecessor, Antonio Fenelus, shouldn’t have been fired.
The Farrell Files Illinois - 2025 and 2026 Updates
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 20, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at some younger players ready for unofficial visits this month and a potential sleeper from the 2025 class.
Luke Altmyer’s Spring Mission: Find Sense of Urgency
Illinois coaches are pushing Luke Altmyer, their projected starting quarterback for the 2024 starting quarterback, to find more urgency this spring in his play and approach to the position.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer
March 18, 2024
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athlletics)
CHAMPAIGN — If the Illinois football coaches could set a password code for Luke Altmyer to enter the Smith Family Football Complex, urgent would absolutely be that word.
As the Illini begin the first of its 15 spring practices that includes the Orange-Blue Game on April 20 inside Memorial Stadium, the coaching staff is desperately trying to find ways to get their projected starting quarterback to do everything quicker, faster and with more assertion.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Andre Lovett
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
March 14, 2024
Illinois made its biggest defensive back recruiting win of the Bielema era when Blue Island Eisenhower's Andre Lovett committed to the Illini. Lovett has played numerous skill positions on offense and defense for Blue Island, but most of this time this past season was at a sort of corner/safety hybrid position which should fit well with the Illini's use of multiple safeties. Lovett is rated as a high three-star player as I write this, but recruiting sites tend to increase the ratings of quality prospects as the Spring and Summer progress, so I think it's fair to say that he's going to be a 4-star player on at least one site before too long.
What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?
The Farrell Files Illinois - Bret Bielema & His Staff Are Cooking
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 13, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at not one, but two surprise commitments as Bret Bielema and staff are cooking in March.
Illinois Football Secures Back-to-Back Commitments
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
March 12, 2024
Illinois football continues to build a promising future as head coach Bret Bielema proudly announced, "Let's keep the good news coming... just feel like more is better for the #famILLy #ILL" on the social media platform X formerly known as Twitter, hinting at an imminent commitment.
Illini Baseball Set for Midweek Contest at Indiana State
Illinois Athletics March 12, 2024 Probable Starting Pitchers Day […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Fighting Illini Score Big with Commit from 3-Star Recruit Andre Lovett
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
March 11, 2024
Blue Island Eisenhower defensive back Andre Lovett has officially committed to the University of Illinois, choosing the Illini over several Power Five offers from esteemed programs such as Iowa, Arizona State, Louisville, Missouri, Purdue, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin.
The 2025 recruit's decision is a significant victory for the Illini, and his commitment adds depth and talent to their upcoming roster.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Under Ranked Hire & Under Ranked Possible Commit
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
March 11, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the new hire at OLB and look at an impending commitment who could be under ranked.
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