The Illini coaching staff has built relationships with various players across the country. They are targeting versatile players who have played multiple roles on their high school team. One of the big names Illinois is targeting is Keith Cooper Jr.
Cooper is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound outside linebacker from Dickinson High School and resides in Dickinson, Texas. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 882 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 60 outside linebacker in the nation. He is also the No. 131 player in the state of Texas.