Last year when the recruiting dust had cleared on National Signing Day, Illinois football had 25 additions. The only problem from a talent standpoint? Eight of them were listed below a three-star ranking. This year, however, the arrow has been pointing up with Lovie Smith at the helm. The Orange and Blue currently have 18 committed prospects, and the remaining slots will surely be filled with more depth than fans have become accustomed to in recent years.
With about two weeks remaining on the recruiting calendar, Illinois has seven available scholarships to spend. There about 12 players remaining on the ‘big board’ who stick out as really good prospects so the coaching staff will be prioritizing certain position groups based on need.