Illinois Football Trending for JUCO Edge Rusher

Illinois Football Trending for JUCO Edge Rusher

Illinois Football has been actively recruiting. Currently, they are adding players to their official visit list for a very eventful June 9th weekend. However, they are still looking to put the final touches on their Class of 2023. Bret Bielema continues to search for depth on both lines of the ball. They have been after offensive linemen who can add some experience and depth to a talented, but youthfully thin group of guys. Additionally, they want more on the defensive line. The Law-firm anchors this side of the ball, however they are relying on some new faces to step in around them.

Also, The Law Firm and the two OLB’s will likely be gone after this season given their talent and production. As a result, it is imperative that Bret Bielema prepares Illinois Football for the future.

Laine Jenkins EDGE

Oklahoma is a powerhouse football program. Currently, they have the commitment from Laine Jenkins. Jenkins is an EDGE rusher from Butler City Community College who would be an intriguing addition. Jenkins would have 3 years of eligibility after playing his freshman year at Butler City, and has time to add some bulk to his 6 foot 6 255 pound frame. Given his weight, he seems to be a raw prospect, however if programs like Oklahoma were willing to take him along with offers from Iowa State and Indiana, this would be a solid add. Recently, Jeremy Werner of 247 placed a crystal ball for Illinois to secure the flip.

Jenkins is a Willowbrook, Illinois native who played at Neuqua Valley high school. Though it may not be likely that he plays a ton of reps this coming year, Jenkins would be an interesting piece at the Outside Linebacker spot once Gabe Jacas and Seth Coleman take the jump to the NFL. Outside of Jacas and Coleman, Illinois has some intriguing young prospects.

The rest of the OLB Room.

Jared Badie, Calvin Smith, and Alec Bryant are all power-five prospects who will compete for the OLB position. If Jacas can return for a Junior Season, that would boost the floor of the room. However, adding an intriguing, long, and athletic piece like Jenkins would be good competition. Illinois Football seems keen on adding players with multiple years of eligibility. If they can flip Jenkins from Oklahoma, they will have added another talented prospect to a young room.