Illinois Football Linebacker Commit Anticipates a “Very Bright Future” in Champaign

4-star Linebacker Grant Beerman Brings “Unique” Skillset to Illinois Football

Illinois football made a splash on Thanksgiving when they flipped 3-star (composite 4-star) linebacker Grant Beerman from Purdue.

Originally committed to the struggling Boilermakers, Beerman now becomes the highest-rated player in the Illini’s 2025 recruiting class. Additionally, Grant ranks as the No. 449 overall prospect and the No. 49 linebacker in the nation, according to 247Sports. The West Chester, OH Native (Lakota West HS) earned First Team All-Conference honors as a junior in 2023, after recording 79 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 2 pass breakups. His 2024 stats are still to come.

Beerman held several offers from impressive Power Five programs, including Michigan State, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Boston College, Georgia Tech, Duke, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Virginia, Wake Forest, and of course, Purdue. However, Illinois is ultimately where Grant will play a key role in strengthening a critical position for Aaron Henry’s defense.

Fortunately, the talented linebacker took time to share his excitement about a “very bright” future with Illinois football in Champaign.

Note: Beerman is now the 2nd highest-rated commit of all-time for Illinois young linebacker coach Archie McDaniel.

Aug. 23, 2024.

What set Illinois Football apart from others on your impressive offer list?

“The biggest thing that set Illinois apart was the family culture. This was clear among the many staff and coaches who had played for Coach Bielema and had returned to be part of what he has built at Illinois.

I have developed a great relationship with Coach (Archie) McDaniel and Coach (Grant) Morgan, and with their background and playing history, I am confident that I will have a great opportunity to be really well developed by them.

I also was able to build a strong relationship with Coach Bielema directly. Coach took over the recruiting effort late in the process and he was spending a lot of time with my family and me. He is a really inspirational Coach, and I was ready to gear up and go play for him right now. I am excited to be part of the success that Illinois has had this year. looking forward to helping build on the success next year.”

What Will You Bring to a key position of need for the Illini? (LB)

“The staff has told me that I bring a unique mix of speed and length, which is a bit different from many of the linebackers out there.  I am a true 6’4” and clocked a 4.54 40’ time. So, two of my biggest assets on the field are my length and speed.  When Tank (Wright) and the strength staff add another 20-30 pounds on me, while increasing my speed, it’ll help me significantly as a player. In addition to this, I spend a lot of time watching film, and prepping for games, and can use that knowledge to become even faster on the field.

With all this in mind, I believe I bring a versatile athlete who can play from the middle, or the dawg position, go sideline to sideline in coverage, or rush the QB.”

Thoughts on The Continual Progression of Illinois Football Under Bret Bielema?

“Illinois’ progression is a big reason why I am excited about joining this team. It has been fun watching what Coach Bielema and the staff have going on, and the success that they have been able to find. There is a great group of players at Illinois, and I think the future for Illinois is very bright.”

A Player Grant Looks Up To

“My favorite player comparison is a mentor of mine and someone I look up to –  Jackson Kuwatch.

Jackson walked on at Ohio State and then transferred to Miami (OH.). He played at Lakota West and he and his dad played a big part in me being a linebacker. He (Kuwatch) helped me focus on the fundamentals and truly understand the position.”

Sept. 6, 2024 – Jake Sweeney Auto Stadium in Sharonville .

What the Film Tells Us

With legit 4.5 speed, Beerman brings much-needed quickness, agility, and aggressiveness to Archie McDaniel’s linebacker room. After some time with Tank Wright, it won’t come as a surprise to see Grant getting after Big Ten quarterbacks. Not only will he provide some sideline-to-sideline coverage ability, but additionally, Beerman will have the athleticism and speed to be effective on blitz packages. This could be a “get home” guy in the future for Illinois Football.

2023 Highlights

Watch Beerman’s Senior Highlights (2024) HERE 

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