Matt's Mailbag Musings
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
April 2, 2023
It's time to answer some subscriber questions. There is a whole thread full back on the football message board for subscribers to peruse at their leisure, but here are a few examples of what you can find back there. Enjoy!
LB Cael Brezina Discusses Tuesday Visit
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
April 1, 2023
Cael Brezina, a 2024 three-star outside linebacker from North Downers Grove, Illinois, was on the Illinois campus Tuesday for an unofficial visit.
Hartleb Frustrated With Illini’s Uncompetitive Start In Key Losses in 2023 Season
A 12-2 deficit resulting in another opening game loss to a power program has Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb searching for answers.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Staff Writer
March 31, 202e
(Photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- At this point, Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb could likely not possibly care less about the school’s all-time wins record but can’t wait for his team to be more competitive.
For what is arguably the fifth time this season, the Illini dug themselves a massive hole against a power program early in the game that it could make its way out of in the later innings. A 12-9 defeat to Michigan on Friday night represents what Hartleb would consider uncompetitive losses in the first game against high quality competition. In losses at No. 2 Wake Forest, Coastal Carolina, Nebraska and now the Wolverines in the first game against them in either a weekend tournament or series, Illinois has been outscored 44-22.
Farrell Files Illinois - More Big Visits
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert
March 31, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
A few notes in the Farrell Files Illinois including some big visits.
Charlie Bullen Mixing & Matching Illini’s Unique OLB Skills
Illinois’ new outside linebacker coach spent 11 years of experience in the National Football League training pass rushers and he inherits a position room with arguably the potential.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
March 30, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The position of outside linebacker is the position on defense at the University of Illinois that is not a one size, one skill fits all situation
Illini Spring Football Practice Report No. 3 (Practice No. 4)
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
March 28, 2023
(Cover photo courtesy Matt Stevens/IlliniGuys)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Good morning and welcome to the fourth of 15 allotted spring football practices for the University of Illinois program as we are still months away from the third year of the tenure of Illini head coach Bret Bielema.
It was approximately a 30 to 35-minute viewing period of the second day in full pads but the first practice session for the Illini since Saturday afternoon. Therefore, I wanted use this opportunity to focus on the defensive side of the ball and special teams so here are a few quick notes:
Farrell Files Illinois - Where will the Illini Go Next
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert
March 27, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, we look at a couple of losses in the 2024 class and where they may go next.
In-state Lineman in Awe of his Visit
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
March 26, 2023
Once again, the Fighting Illini football staff has put on their X-Ray vision glasses seeing talent when others miss.
Illini to Utilize Running Back-by-Committee Approach Post Chase Brown
In his first year back as running backs coach Thad Ward wants to split the workload of his position room among some big and experienced options.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
March 26, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The 2012 Big Ten Conference Championship Game still serves as not only his finale at Wisconsin but also the peak of success of the running game of a Bret Bielema program.
Illini Football 2023 Spring Practice Report #2 (Practice No. 3) - Illini Offensive Line Pieces Coming Together
Illinois conducted its first spring practice in full pads on Saturday afternoon.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
March 25, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Good afternoon and welcome to the third of 15 allotted spring football practices for the University of Illinois program as we are months away from the third year of the tenure of Illini head coach Bret Bielema.
It was approximately a 40-minute viewing period of the first day in full pads so here’s a few quick notes:
The Saturday afternoon session (or at least the media viewing portion of the practice was moved from Memorial Stadium to inside the Irwin Indoor Facility due to looming weather conditions in the central Illinois area.
Updated Spring Football Visitors
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
March 23, 2023
March 20 was the first official day of spring, which means it is Bret Bielema time at Memorial Stadium.
Jack Lesher Q & A with IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting, Kedric Prince
Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting
March 22, 2023
Jack Lesher is a linebacker from Marmion Academy, class of 2024.
Illini Football 2023 Spring Practice Report #1 (Practice No. 1) - Illini RB Room Physically Looks Different
Illinois offensive line coach Bart Miller has returning starter Jordyn Slaughter working with a football in individual drills suggesting he might be an option at center in 2023.
By Matt Stevens - IlliniGuys Football Writer/Analyst
(Cover photo courtesy Matt Stevens/IlliniGuys)
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Good morning and welcome to the first of 15 allotted spring football practices for the University of Illinois program as we are months away from the third year of the tenure of Illini head coach Bret Bielema.
It was simply a 20 to 25-minute viewing period but here’s a few quick notes:
Illini Spring Football Notebook: Secondary Decisions Await New DC Aaron Henry
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema announces several roster moves and injuries less than day before the first spring practice inside the Irwin Indoor Facility.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
March 20, 2023
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Regardless of the fact that he’s changed job titles in the last few months, Aaron Henry was likely to have a similar responsibility heading into Illinois spring practice season.
Farrell Files Illinois - Another DB and Top 2024 LB Targets
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys National Football Recruiting Expert
March 15, 2023
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at another DB target and break down some of the top 2024 LB targets.
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