Being competitive has been an area the Illini have lacked in since they were coached by Ron Zook. Even then, they were hot and cold.
Building a solid class of 2017 is one way to help get the program back on track and that is exactly what Lovie Smith is doing.
The class of 2017 that Lovie has built so far is actually pretty solid considering he has been on the job less than a year.
Illinois has 14 players committed for this upcoming season including two four-star players and two players who are junior college transfers that will make an impact day one.