Illinois Recruiting 2017 Signing Day Grades LARGE SCHOOL EDITION
Class of 2017 Signing Day- Well not that many surprises in the players signing FEB 1st, after all of the rumors and tips everything landed in the right spots for the coaches. Lets’ take a look at some of the top schools in the Illinois recruiting field yesterday.
NIU- Well NIU pulled in some nice recruits and they got players that fit their scheme. ATH Jordan Rowell can play RB and DB/LB in college but what his most important quality is his character. Rayshawn Gay is one of my top sleepers out of Proviso East and can be a dominate linebacker in the MAC.
NIU Grade in Illinois Recruiting- B+ - NIU did a great job in recruiting in Illinois, will have big names in 2018
ILLINOIS- Lovie Smith right now is serving up humble pie to his critics after a great state and national pull of recruits. The Illini managed to the get the best WR in Illinois with the signing of Brother Rice WR Ricky Smalling and picked up a key ATH in Kendall Smith from Bolingbrook
Illinois Grade in Illinois Recruiting- A – Lovie and Staff took over the recruiting game in state and already has 2018 to be another big year
NORTHWESTERN- Well Northwestern is Northwestern, Wildcats will always recruit out of state more than Illinois. Academic reasons being a huge reason for Northwestern football recruiting and Pat Fitzgerald has been able to pull huge recruits out of football first states. Glenbard North Jace James WR and Joe Spivak DT Montini are two top Illinois recruits that the wildcats landed.
Northwestern Grade in Illinois Recruiting – C – Again Northwestern being Northwestern but I do see a Wildcat push for the Class of 2018 in Illinois
SCHOOL OF THE NIGHT
SIU- Recruiting Grade – A- SIU Coaching Staff right are laughing their asses off at all of the major schools. Saluki Class brings in players that are low risk- high payoff players that fit Coach Hill’s personality.