Illinois Football to Host 2024 4-Star Linebacker

Illinois Football to Host 4-Star Linebacker

Earlier this week, Allen Trieu of 247 reported that four star prospect, Jeremiah Beasley, will visit the University of Illinois on June 9th. Illinois Football seems to be loading up on official visits for that weekend. Eddie Tuerk, a top 2023 in-state prospect, will also be on campus. Illinois Football is currently riding some strong recruiting buzz after the recent commitment of QB, Trey Petty. Petty is one of 3 commitments in the class of 2024 currently along with O-lineman, Brandon Hansen and defensive lineman Angelo McCollum.

3 commitments may seem small to most. However, I do believe that Illinois Football is preparing to pounce on some commitments once they host prospects for official visits.

Jeremiah Beasley’s recruiting profile

Beasley is the 154th ranked prospect  out of Belleville, Michigan. He is a 6 foot 1 linebacker that likely has the athleticism to play on the EDGE. As one would expect, Michigan and Michigan State are hot on his trail. Per Allen Trieu, Beasley has the potential to play running back, as well. Illinois currently has Kaden Feagin on their roster who has a similar profile. Illinois has quite the sell at running back given Bret Bielema’s history and recent stardom of Chase Brown.

Beasley is an outstanding athlete that has a lot of positional versatility. However, this will be a tough recruitment to pull off. Michigan and Michigan State have attractive sells, especially for a Michigan native. However, the fact that Illinois Football already has a visit lined up bodes well.

The need for Beasley

Illinois will be losing Tarique Barnes after this year. Barnes has been an underrated, stable  and reliable stalwart at the linebacker position. Outside of Barnes, Dylan Rosiek and James Kreutz seem to be next in line, however Illinois needs more depth. They will still be very young after Barnes graduates and moves on. If Beasley plays on the EDGE, there is a need.  Seth Coleman and Gabe Jacas are considered NFL prospects, and could very well be gone after this year. Outside of Barnes and Jacas, Illinois is similarly very young at the EDGE position. Players like Jared Badie, Calvin Smith and Alec Bryant would need to step up outside of Coleman and Jacas.

Overall, I trust that Illinois Football can do their part on an official visit. It will only be a matter of time until they are considered favorites in these type of power-five recruitments.