Illinois Football Adds TE over SEC Powerhouses

Illinois Football Adds TE over SEC Powerhouses

Illinois Football is hoping to have a more impactful transfer portal class than they ever have. After a disappointing season that included multiple guys who have declared for the NFL, Bret Bielema and his staff realize that they are in win-now mode. As much as they would like to rely on development and strong prep recruiting, they realize that they need immediate impact players. As a result, they have attacked the JUCO market and the transfer portal. One of the more reassuring signs is that they are landing players in the transfer portal who have big-time offers. Recently, Illinois Football was taking some players hoping to step up from the mid-major level. However, landing players who started at Michigan State and All-conference players bodes extremely well.

Most recently, Illinois football landed Cole Rusk, a Tight-end from Murray State, over some SEC powerhouses such as Ole Miss.

Coming home

Per Illini Inquirer, Cole Rusk’s father was a wrestler at the University of Illinois. During his childhood, he attended several football games and that legacy was quite the factor in the decision. Rusk is a Rock Island native and will have two seasons of eligibility with the Orange and Blue. Rusk had offers from Ole Miss, Houston, Texas A&M and more. Cole will fill in the Tight-end position that has become a huge position of need. Tip Reiman has been a stable workhorse in the receiving and blocking game, however, decided to take the next step in his career.

home. pic.twitter.com/fEdnbPpOTE

— Cole Rusk (@ColeRusk1) January 5, 2024

That leaves Illinois Football rather thin. They have some young players such as Henry Boyer and Owen Anderson, however, neither has shown that they can consistently produce. Cole Rusk was a third-team All-FCS who showed extremely strong receiving skills. The Rock Island native recorded 39 receptions for 512 yards and six touchdowns in his most recent season.

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