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Illinois Football UDFA Receiving High Media Praise

A former Lovie Smith era recruit for Illinois Football, and current NFL Un-drafted free agent is receiving high praises from the media

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Illinois Football UDFA Receiving High Media Praise
Aug 26, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles looks on before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois Football UDFA Receiving High Media Praise

The Chicago Bears recently called upon Illinois football defensive tackle Keith Randolph Jr. as an undrafted free agent. A former member of the iconic “Law Firm” duo has begun his dream career in the NFL. Of course, along with partner in crime Johnny Newton. Who, will be making his way to the Washington Commanders. A native of Belleville Illinois, Keith certainly is a home-state hero. He played out his stellar college career for the Illini, before getting the big call to head up north to Chicago. Furthermore, extending his football career within the land of Lincoln,.

Bears Media

The highly productive defensive tackle stands in at 6’5 and 300 lbs. Randolph’s large, athletic frame assisted him in snagging 72 solo tackles, and 10 sacks over his 5-year career at Illinois (2019-2023). Certainly, in the Big Ten, that’s no joke. Keith was a draftable player for sure, and a sleeper for any team that gave him a shot. That team just so happened to be his Chicago Bears.

Bears Now Evaluation

Members of the Chicago Bears media have expressed their similar opinions on Keith. Bears Now host Harrison Graham of the Chat Sports Network sang high praises for the new Bears UDFA. During his post-draft player grades, Graham gave Keith an A+ for the pickup. Harrison believes that Keith has the potential, and the ability to find his way onto the Bears 53 Man roster. As well as, possibly making his way into the Bears defensive tackle rotation.

Harrison Graham (Bears Now) : Comments/Video

“I had him as a draftable player, going six or seventh round. He fell through the cracks, and the Bears smartly signed him.” Says Graham. “It makes sense, for a couple of reasons. (1) They are pretty thin at defensive tackle. (2) Local. They had a front row seat to him at Illinois. (3) I actually think he has a shot to make this team.” States the Bears Now host. “ When you think about the defensive tackle position, you have three locks to make the roster. Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter, and Zach Pickens. I think there’s a chance that Randolph could be that forth guy on the 53.”

Check out the full video, the rest of Harrison Grahams comments below. Follow Harrison on X @HGrahamNFL

Kirkland is a go-to source for Illinois athletics news, and content creator at Armchair Illini. His work has been featured in top media publications like Bleacher Report, Yard Barker, Autograph, Newsbreak, CBS Sports and more.

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