The Farrell Files Illinois - Latest on Wigenton & Any Signing Day Surprises
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
December 20, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the latest on OT target Kevin Wigenton, more on some other transfer portal targets and if there will be any Signing Day surprises.
Illini 2024 Signee: 3-star OLB Vernon Woodward
Vernon Woodward was the first of the three Illinois signees in this 2024 recruiting class that was flipped from an initial commitment of a Big Ten Conference program.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
December 20, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
Player: Vernon Woodward
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 180
Hometown: Winter Park, Fla.
High School: Winter Park
Other offers: UCF, Wisconsin, Boston College, Cincinnati, Florida Atlantic, Louisville, Georgia Tech, Louisville, Maryland, Missouri, Ole Miss, Purdue, and Virginia.
Mark Vernon Woodward down as the first of three verbal pledge flips toward Illinois after the prospect had given a commitment to a Big Ten Conference rival program.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Chase Canada
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
December 19, 2023
Illinois continued to hit the JUCO ranks in order to fill key positions next year when Trinity Valley Community College freshman Chase Canada committed to the Illini.
Yale Graduate Transfer DL Clay Patterson Renounces Verbal Commitment to Illini
Just 16 days after giving a verbal pledge to Illinois, Yale graduate transfer defensive lineman Clay Patterson has renounced that commitment to continue his recruitment in the portal.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
December 18, 2023
CHAMPAIGN — Clay Patterson will not be playing his fifth year of college football at the University of Illinois.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Key 2025 Visit and Transfer Portal Rumors
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
December 18, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a key 2025 visit from the weekend and some rumors about huge transfer visits over the last few days as well.
Tip Reiman Leaving Illinois For 2024 NFL Draft Will Remain His “Final Decision”
Illinois tight end Tip Reiman says he’s sticking with a decision to leave college football despite not being a projected draft pick by any major news outlet.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyist
December 15, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN — Tip Reiman has simply not allowed himself a fall-back option to return to college football.
The 22-year-old Illinois tight end has seen his college career end and says he’s not allowing himself to use his last year of eligibility with the Illini football program to be a safety net option if he’s not projected to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The deadline to submit or remove your name from consideration for this year’s draft is Jan. 15. However, Reiman will be on the list of underclassmen who have been approved for entry into the 2024 NFL Draft to be sent to clubs on Jan. 19.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Gabriel Hill
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 16, 2023
The Fighting Illini and Iowa Hawkeyes did battle on the football field back in November. Iowa squeaked out a victory over Illinois 15-13.
Illini FB Commitment - Chase Canada
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 15, 2023
Illinois received a commitment from cornerback Chase Canada.
Illini Football Commitment - Anthony Johnson
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
December 15, 2023
Once again, the Fighting Illini have been active in the transfer portal today. Youngstown State defensive lineman Anthony Johnson committed via his X (Twitter) page with the statement "Last one, best one."
Newton’s All-America Season Showcased Obvious Quality Along with Elite Quantity in 2023
Illinois defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton played more snaps as a defensive tackle than anybody at his position in a power conference since 2018.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
December 15, 2023
CHAMPAIGN - Jer'Zhan Newton certainly got nearly everything possible out of his final year of college football.
The Farrell Files Illinois - TE Need, Impact of DeVito & Key Offer
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
December 15, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at the sudden need at tight end, the impact of Tommy DeVito in the NFL and a new offer for a key position in the portal.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Big Potential Visitor
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
December 13, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a recent decommitment and if it matters as well as a big potential visitor this weekend who could help in the trenches.
Bielema Claims Luke Altmyer’s Growth In Final Month As Backup QB Helped Long-Term Development
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has only done one on-the-record interview since being demoted to the backup quarterback spot in the final month of the 2023 season.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
December 12, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athetics)
CHAMPAIGN — If Bret Bielema is to be believed, the Illini head coach is claiming he learned more about Luke Altmyer in the final three weeks where he wasn’t the starting quarterback.
After starting the first nine games of the 2023 season following his arrival as a transfer from the University of Mississippi, Altmyer found himself back in a situation he didn’t want for himself again at the college level - a quarterback debate.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Enyce Sledge
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
Cover photo courtesy of Auburn Wire
December 11, 2023
Illinois' coaches have been working hard to address their clear need on the defensive line and the made another quality addition when former Auburn Defensive Tackle Enyce Sledge decided to switch orange and blue uniforms by committing to the Illini. Sledge was "on the plains" as they say at Auburn, for two years but he only saw the field for 15 snaps in his two years. That means figuring out where Sledge will fit in with the Illini involves a lot of guesswork.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Key Visitor & Illini FB Commitment
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
December 11, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a few visitors and an important one coming up as well as break down the latest commitment from the portal.
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