Illinois Football lands TE Tanner Hollinger

Illinois Football lands TE Tanner Hollinger

After a slew of impressive commits during this past week, Illinois Football landed another. This time they received a verbal commitment from Tanner Hollinger, a tight end from Nebraska. Hollinger just completed an official visit to Champaign and chose Illinois over offers from Air Force and UAB. Hollinger is a 6 foot 5 prospect who shows strong versatility as a tight end. Bielema seems to be placing an emphasis on tight ends this class. He is targeting players who can block well, but also run strong routes to be an impact in the receiving game.

Illinois Football most recently landed Karsen Konkel. Konkel is also a high-upside tight end who chose Illinois over some impressive power-five offers.

Position of need.

Tip Reiman and Griffin Moore are slated to be two of the more productive tight ends on this roster, however will be running out of eligibility soon. Hollinger will have to bulk up his 235 lb frame in order to be effective. Recent commit, Karsen Konkel, will also need to beef up his 225 frame, however both have the athleticism and physicality to be both a dynamic blocker and receiver. That is something that Illinois has lacked. Daniel Barker was an outstanding receiver, however was not the best blocker. Luke Ford did everything except be a reliable receiving threat. Tip Reiman continues to add some versatility to his elite blocking skills, however Illinois still has lacked that one tight end that does both.

Players like Henry Boyer, Nathan Guinn and Owen Anderson are all impressive prospects, however seem to drift towards one of blocking or receiving. I personally see Konkel being able to handle both if he develops.

Continuing Momentum

Recruiting is all about momentum. Bret Bielema and his staff have certainly created some. Tanner Hollinger is the 12th commit in the class of 2024. For perspective, Illinois Football started off with 3 kids in their class of 2024 to start the month out. They have taken some players they feel like are strong evaluations such as Hollinger. Additionally, they have landed players over strong power-five offers such as Eddie Tuerk, Tysean Griffin and Karsen Konkel.

Bielema continues to strike all the right notes will Illinois fans, as the growing confidence in his competence is clear.