Tanner Heckel Commits to Illinois, Brings Versatility to the Fighting Illini
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
February 8, 2023
On Wednesday, Illinois signed a valuable addition to its football roster as three-star Kansas defensive back Tanner Heckel signed a national letter of intent. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound athlete hails from Lyndon (HS) in Kansas and is set to bring a diverse skill set to Illinois.
Charlie Bullen Returning to National Football League As New York Giants OLB Coach
The outside linebackers coaching position is open at Illinois for the third time in four offseasons as Charlie Bullen leaves for the NFL’s New York Giants.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
February 7, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Charlie Bullen’s time as a full-time position coach at the collegiate level lasted just 13 months.
Shortly after Illinois head coach Bret Bielema completed a local media conference inside the Smith Family Football Complex, the New York Giants announced Charlie Bullen was leaving the Illini program after just one season for the same job title with the National Football League franchise.
Bielema on Fmr. Illini Signee Josaiah Knight Signing With Mississippi State: ‘He wanted to be here’
Illinois head coach Bret Bielema hinted an enrollment problem popped up with three-star OLB/DE Josaiah Knight after he signed with Mississippi State Wednesday.
Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer
February 7, 2024
CHAMPAIGN — Despite signing a National Letter-of-Intent and being introduced as an early enrollee a few weeks later, Josaiah Knight will not be a member of the University of Illinois football program.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Illini Add "Sleeper" DB
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
February 7, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at another late sleeper DB added by Bret Bielema just like last season.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup: 2024 DB Tanner Heckel Commits to Illinois
By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
February 6th, 2024
Surprising development for the Fighting Illini football team, they secured a commitment for the class of 2024 from safety Tanner Heckel, a 5-foot-11, 175-pound talent hailing from Lyndon, Kansas, and Lyndon High School.
The Farrell Files Illinois - PWO of Interest, WR Coach Gone & Zafir Stewart Evaluation
February 6, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at a new preferred walk on of interest, talk about the loss of WR Coach George McDonald and continue to look at the 2024 class with a look at OL Zafir Stewart in four important categories.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup: Illini Add OL Barrett as PWO
By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
February 5th, 2024
Orland Park's Zach Barrett, a strong 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from the class of 2024, officially committed to the University of Illinois football program on Sunday as a preferred walk-on, one day after making a visit to camps. Barrett made the decision to join the Fighting Illini, citing the program's aggressive mentality and commitment to dominating opponents as key factors in his choice.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - PWO Commit Harrysson Ngassa
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
February 5, 2023
Whitney Young Prep Harrysson Ngassa commits to Illinois Football as Preferred Walk-On.
Football Recruiting Spotlight on Griffin Rousseau
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst February 3, 2024 Illinois […]
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Darrin Strey
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
February 3, 2024
Three-star lineman Darrin Strey, a 6-foot-7, 285-pound offensive tackle from Paw Paw, Michigan, recapped his visit with Illinois last weekend. The Illinois staff did a great job of bringing recruits on campus for junior day.
Recruiting Spotlight on Carson Boyd
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
February 2, 2024
Illinois has just shown that it has a type at quarterback, right? If you're a high three-star QB who's a good athlete but also has good but not great throwing ability, you should expect a call from the Illini because that is the type of player Barry Lunney, Jr. has targeted with all three of his quarterback choices so far.
The Farrell Files - Illini Big Game Hunting
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
February 2, 2024
(Mike Farrell also has his own website: https://mikefarrellsports.com/)
In this edition of the Farrell Files Illinois, I’ll look at some big-name guys that Bret Bielema is trying to hang in with.
Ked's Recruiting Roundup - Andre Lovett
Kedric Prince, IlliniGuys Director of Recruiting
February 1, 2024
One of the most convenient prep football players in the state of Illinois in the class of 2025 is Andre Lovett, an athlete from Blue Island, Illinois. The Illinois native was once again on campus, giving Illinois the attention and the Illini returning the level of excitement.
The Farrell Files Illinois - Rousseau Commit & Another Commit Watch
Mike Farrell, IlliniGuys & Big Sports Radio National Football Recruiting Expert
January 31, 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 (and expected) commitment from OT Griffin Rousseau and another player on commit watch.
Recruiting Spotlight on Cole Rusk
Steve Sturm, IlliniGuys Football Analyst
January 29, 2024
Cole Rusk is the son of a former Illini wrestler and that family connection paid off when the FCS All American from Murray State decided to come back to his home state and play for the Illini for the next two years. He's a tall and athletic tight end who plus the hole that Tip Reiman left, although in a different way.
What does he bring to the Orange and Blue?
Cole Rusk came to the college game as a wide receiver who was willing to learn to play tight end.
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