Illinois Football lands Key DB Transfer

Illinois Football lands Demetrius Hill, a key DB Transfer

Illinois Football has been active on the recruiting scene. As the Spring comes to a close, Illinois Football has set up plenty of official visits. Bret Bielema and his crew are actively trying to build their class of 2024, in addition to adding key players that can make an impact this coming season. So far, Illinois has 3 commits in the Class of 2024. However, they are still putting the final touches on their class of 2023. They made moves this weekend as they land Demetrius Hill, a defensive back who has played at FIU.

Demetrius Hill: The Player

Hill will have 3 years of eligibility left with the Illini. He is a 6 foot 2 cornerback who will add some size and experience to a rather young and smaller room. Outside of Taz Nicholson, Illinois is expected to rely heavily on Tyler Strain. Strain showed some promise at the end of last season, however he is a smaller back under 6 feet. Hill adds some length to the room that needs depth. The Illinois defensive back room is talented, however does not have much experience outside of Nicholson. Illinois has quite the sell in defensive backs and were able to lock it down.

Hill was high in demand too. Programs like Virginia Tech and Minnesota were after his services, however Illinois Football closed it down with an official visit. Hill joins Nicario Harper as the other transfer portal add that will play significant minutes in the defensive backfield. He seems to have some positional versatility given his length. Demetrius Hill could very well be in the picture at safety along with Harper, Matt Bailey, Solo Turner and TJ Griffin.

What’s next in Illinois Football?

As stated before, Illinois Football will continue to add key transfers to their roster. I assume they will want to add a Center to their roster via the transfer portal or JUCO route. Additionally, they will look to add to the Wide receiver room. Illinois needs to add experience and starting capability at both positions as they are rather thin there. Additionally, look for them to try to boost the competition at the nose-tackle spot.

Illinois Football has had tremendous success at the DB spot. Their NFL sell seems to be resonating and landing Hill over power-five options proves that.