Illinois Football Adds DB Chase Green

Illinois Football Adds DB Chase Green

Illinois football continues to build and improve its defensive back room. The Illini saw three of its defensive backs drafted within the first 100 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a result, Illinois went into the portal, adding to its already talented defensive backfield. Judging from the portal and high school, defensive coordinator Aaron Henry has a type. He wants long, rangy defensive backs that are interchangeable. Clayton Bush, Demetrius Hill, and Nicario Harper all fit that type. Not to mention the six defensive backs the Illini signed out of high school.

As the Illini put the finishing touches on the ’23 class, head coach Bret Bielema and his staff ramp up their efforts to sign the ’24 class. Once again, their defensive focus is on the secondary. Spear-headed by Henry and fellow defensive coordinator Terrance Jamison and defensive backs coach Antonio Fenelus, the Illini have signed three defensive backs for the ’24 cycle. All three defensive backs are from Florida.

That includes Illinois’ latest signee, three-star defensive back Chase Green. The rising senior out of Largo, Florida, is a three-star prospect and is the 107th-ranked safety in the country. Green did not have any Power Five offers, but Arkansas State, Florida International, Temple, and last year’s Cotton Bowl Champions, Tulane, all rendered offers.

Where he Fits

Green has an entire year to add to his 6-foot, 185-pound frame in his senior year of high school. He is a natural ballhawk –he played receiver as well–with no problems fighting with receivers for the football. Green also has elite top-end speed from his experience running track. He’ll also mix it up in the run game in the box. His skills as a receiver also give him slot cover skills.