Illinois Football Recruiting Thread

[Ander1345]

Trust Bret's vision when it comes to the defense. If Walters gets a shot he deserves it and I don't think Bret is the kind of guy who will hold a respected colleague back. If you have Bret in your corner you can't go wrong.

I'm always going to be more worried about Bret leaving than any assistant we have. If we get double digit wins in his second year, or even 9 or more, schools will come calling.

If there is one thing it seems like he's learned.... it's hiring coordinators he trusts to coordinate. He builds trust and solid relationships. He trusts Lunney on the offense and only takes over on decisions when it's a key moment. He also very clearly trusts Walters and he hypes the heck out of his coordinators. That makes this job VERY attractive for any potential assistant positions that need to be filled going forward.

 

[lstewart53x3]

Trust Bret's vision when it comes to the defense. If Walters gets a shot he deserves it and I don't think Bret is the kind of guy who will hold a respected colleague back. If you have Bret in your corner you can't go wrong.

I'm always going to be more worried about Bret leaving than any assistant we have. If we get double digit wins in his second year, or even 9 or more, schools will come calling.

If there is one thing it seems like he's learned.... it's hiring coordinators he trusts to coordinate. He builds trust and solid relationships. He trusts Lunney on the offense and only takes over on decisions when it's a key moment. He also very clearly trusts Walters and he hypes the heck out of his coordinators. That makes this job VERY attractive for any potential assistant positions that need to be filled going forward.

The one big advantage I feel like we have with Bret:

He’s already done it all.

He was at a B1G school winning big games and he left for the SEC and it didn’t work out.

So he might be a bit gun shy about making a similar move like that in the future.

I also see Whitman paying Bret well and giving him everything he needs to succeed here.

 

[Ander1345]

The one big advantage I feel like we have with Bret:

He’s already done it all.

He was at a B1G school winning big games and he left for the SEC and it didn’t work out.

So he might be a bit gun shy about making a similar move like that in the future.

I also see Whitman paying Bret well and giving him everything he needs to succeed here.

He's at the very least due for the preserve recruiting contract extension in the off season.

 

[SactownIllini]

We have Kane waiting in the wings too.

On BTN they said the #2 state for B10 Midwest recruits behind Ohio is Illinois.

 

[EyeoftheIllini]

Yeah, I’m more wondering if CU is willing to role the dice on him. Good DC does not necessarily mean good HC.

Depending on who they do hire, does anyone think that person could pry Walters from us for a lateral move?

A chance to help turn around your alma mater might be tempting. (For the right price)

No. If he leaves for a “lateral move” it will be to a top tier program, not the likes of Colorado. And if you’re the new HC there, unless you already have a relationship with Walters, would you want one of the coaching cycles top ACs, who is an alum and mentioned as a candidate for the top job, on your staff. him on your staff? Talk about hiring your own replacement.

 

[IllinoisOKC]

We all love walters and dont want him to leave but if someone seriously wants him to be there hc I’d be shocked he’s here next year. He’s proven to be a good dc and last I checked coaches do not lack confidence lol Really goes to show how lucky we are with BB to finally have a legit coaching staff. Now lets hope they go and flip some recruits our way!

 

[Ga65]

We all love walters and dont want him to leave but if someone seriously wants him to be there hc I’d be shocked he’s here next year. He’s proven to be a good dc and last I checked coaches do not lack confidence lol Really goes to show how lucky we are with BB to finally have a legit coaching staff. Now lets hope they go and flip some recruits our way!

We will need to trust BB in hiring successful replacements in the same way BU did because success will bring job offers for the assistants.

 

[DeonThomas]

We will need to trust BB in hiring successful replacements in the same way BU did because success will bring job offers for the assistants.

As mentioned above, I think there's a 50% chance our next DC comes from the existing staff.

And hoping we still get another year or two out of Lunney. But I'd actually like to see something like 8-9 years from our top assistants, similar to what Dabo has been able to do at Clemson (i.e. Venables). $$$$$

 

[Joel Goodson]

Know how Fleck got Nubin out of St. Charles? We didn't offer.

This is not another rag on Lovie's regime's recruiting, it's about now. Bret's staff is flat out better at evaluating kids and their emphasis on Illinois preps is going to pay big dividends. The timing of our rise is perfect. Being dubious is completely understandable, they need evidence. And we're providing it, in spades.

 

[IMPE ALL STAR]

Yeah, I’m more wondering if CU is willing to role the dice on him. Good DC does not necessarily mean good HC.

Depending on who they do hire, does anyone think that person could pry Walters from us for a lateral move?

A chance to help turn around your alma mater might be tempting. (For the right price)

Who is the athletic director at Colorado?

 

[IlliniUnited]

Know how Fleck got Nubin out of St. Charles? We didn't offer.

This is not another rag on Lovie's regime's recruiting, it's about now. Bret's staff is flat out better at evaluating kids and their emphasis on Illinois preps is going to pay big dividends. The timing of our rise is perfect. Being dubious is completely understandable, they need evidence. And we're providing it, in spades.

That is not true. His recruiting profile indicates that he was offered by illinois before Minnesota offered. There seems to be a false narrative that Lovie didn’t offer many of the top players in Illinois. It is not true. One year they offered all of the top 20 kids and for none. Now how much effort that was put into recruiting can definitely be questioned. That being said who is Nubin replacing in the secondary? Seems like the guys the previous staff got are performing pretty well.

 

[Joel Goodson]

That is not true. His recruiting profile indicates that he was offered by illinois before Minnesota offered. There seems to be a false narrative that Lovie didn’t offer many of the top players in Illinois. It is not true. One year they offered all of the top 20 kids and for none. Now how much effort that was put into recruiting can definitely be questioned. That being said who is Nubin replacing in the secondary? Seems like the guys the previous staff got are performing pretty well.

Thanks for the correction, my bad. The rest of my post still holds though. Yeah, our secondary has been VVG. But losing out on talented kids from our backyard is really frustrating (not suggesting we'll be able to "lock it up", but figuratively whiffing is terrible).

 

[Dbell1981]

Staff is PUMPED UP to get on the road ... Recruits are liking what they are seeing ... Keeping Walters will be HUGE for a few very specific kids ...

Whitman needs to get him paid like 1 of the top assistants in the country ASAP! All these coaches are exceeding expectations! Gonna cost a fortune to keep em all. Lots of GREAT coaches on this staff.

 

[GoodePodzMelendez]

The one big advantage I feel like we have with Bret:

He’s already done it all.

He was at a B1G school winning big games and he left for the SEC and it didn’t work out.

So he might be a bit gun shy about making a similar move like that in the future.

I also see Whitman paying Bret well and giving him everything he needs to succeed here.

One more thing, BB is 51, has two kids and previously has been bouncing around. I think he wants a stable life for his family and C-U is a great place to raise a family. I think he wants to finish his career here. He is making great money and has a great boss. Why leave?

 

[Joel Goodson]

This kid would be a great PWO add:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1581427131346989056

Not saying he's not worthy of a ride, simply a numbers thing. VG speed (for HS). Made a lot of big catches, not the least of which is the bomb that sunk Glenbard West.

 

[logjam]

We will need to trust BB in hiring successful replacements in the same way BU did because success will bring job offers for the assistants.

I'm sure he has an eye open for replacements already and knows what he wants.....

 

[jjniner]

Surprised we are not getting any strong recruiting news with our start!

Should we be getting commits and or flips at this time?

 

[Dbell1981]

That is not true. His recruiting profile indicates that he was offered by illinois before Minnesota offered. There seems to be a false narrative that Lovie didn’t offer many of the top players in Illinois. It is not true. One year they offered all of the top 20 kids and for none. Now how much effort that was put into recruiting can definitely be questioned. That being said who is Nubin replacing in the secondary? Seems like the guys the previous staff got are performing pretty well.

I think the last staff was amazing at getting athletic players with nfl measurables. Not so much polished players but athletic kids. They are now learning how to play football and are filling out as grown men. I think the difference is the new schemes they are being taught. The cover 2 D was so terrible!

 

[trtl]

I think it depends on what he wants.

I would not want want to go to a rebuild like Colorado. It is so hard to turn a program around and if you fail you may never get another shot

I also wouldn’t want to coach a program that has unrealistic expectations ie Nebraska

I think BB can be a good mentor and if the right job comes up no amount of money will keep him. He will be considered for a lot of jobs

Anybody else notice that previously unvictorious Colorado sold out yesterday with over 50k in attendance?

 

[IlliniUnited]

Thanks for the correction, my bad. The rest of my post still holds though. Yeah, our secondary has been VVG. But losing out on talented kids from our backyard is really frustrating (not suggesting we'll be able to "lock it up", but figuratively whiffing is terrible).

Agreed but from a competitive standpoint the Illini were not close to anyone in the west so hard to blame the kids for the decisions they made. After this season kids should be lining up to join on both sides of the ball.

 

[Joel Goodson]

We're gonna need JUCO DL help. Anyone know who we're targeting?

Anyone know of any JUCO prospects lists?

 

[TheChief4Life]

As mentioned above, I think there's a 50% chance our next DC comes from the existing staff.

So you're saying our next DC either will or won't come from the existing staff?

 

[forbesfrosh]

Have some questions about running back after Brown leaves after this season. A huge loss obviously but think we should have a strong group next year nonetheless. McCray and Love return, incoming freshman Feagin highly regarded and we'll have Jordan Anderson from Joliet Catholic as well, right? He's being redshirted this season?

 

[blackdog]

Have some questions about running back after Brown leaves after this season. A huge loss obviously but think we should have a strong group next year nonetheless. McCray and Love return, incoming freshman Feagin highly regarded and we'll have Jordan Anderson from Joliet Catholic as well, right? He's being redshirted this season?

So far Laughery and Anderson are both on pace to redshirt

 

[STLflyinIllini]

Have some questions about running back after Brown leaves after this season. A huge loss obviously but think we should have a strong group next year nonetheless. McCray and Love return, incoming freshman Feagin highly regarded and we'll have Jordan Anderson from Joliet Catholic as well, right? He's being redshirted this season?

Laughery probably redshirting as well. That's a pretty good room IMO as long as McCray is back and healthy. But if BB doesn't feel good about it, he's going to have a pretty epic pitch in the transfer portal to bring in immediate help.