The Illini went with the trial by fire method with many positions in 2017. We had the privilege to see all sorts of freshman don the Orange and Blue on Saturdays. It was fun at times but then there were other times you could clearly tell they were inexperienced.
Getting some big-time offensive linemen in the class of 2018 is really important for the future of the program. Without talented blockers, the team around them will crumble. Lovie Smith, Garrick McGee and Luke Butkus all know this, and that is why landing some big fish is becoming increasingly important by the day.