News: Illinois Football Hosting Florida A&M Defensive Lineman

News: Illinois Football Hosting Florida A&M Defensive Lineman

May has certainly cranked up the heat for Illinois Football on the transfer portal recruiting trail. The Illini’s top needs are (1) a Defensive Back, (2) a Defensive Lineman, as well as, (3) a veteran Wide Receiver, and Bielema has zeroed in on a handful of targets. Recently, Illinois snagged commitments from 5-star DB transfer Terrance Brooks out of Texas. A much-needed aggressive corner, with a history of good productivity for the Longhorns. Furthermore, Illinois also added Kicker Ethan Moczulski out of Texas A&M. A surprising, yet, high-quality walk-on product out of the SEC, who will have 4 years of eligibility remaining to potentially step in after senior K Caleb Griffin.

Illinois recently hosted a pair of talented portal entries. Ole Miss wide receiver Zakhari Franklin. A speedy 6-foot, 190 lb wide-out, who would add a stellar veteran presence to Illinois young, yet talented pass catchers. Not to mention, his connection with Illinois OC Barry Lunney Jr. Washington DL transfer Anthony James II also took a recent visit to Champaign. The Texas native sizes up at 6’5 and 280 lbs. Certainly, a nice prospect to fill a big position of need on Terrance Jamison’s Defensive Line. The Huskies were the 2024 national runner-up, and have loaded themselves with top-level defensive talent. Anthony is looking to make his move to a highly productive starting role, which he will have the chance for at Illinois.

Gentle Hunt

On Sunday (5/12), Illinois football offered Florida A&M defensive Lineman Gentle Hunt. As a senior, Hunt earned All-SWAC honors in 2023 after totaling 32 tackles, 11 for loss, and 5.5 sacks for the Rattlers. Standing in at 5’11 and 290 lbs, he is a bit undersized for his position. However, Gentle’s quick twitch ability, and strength led to high productivity play. Illinois now has the chance to lock down the native of Gainesville Florida, who will be visiting Champaign in the near future. The Illini are Hunt’s biggest power-5 offer thus far, and coach Terrance Jamison is in a good position to lock down another quality transfer for the room.

FAMU all-conference DT transfer Gentle Hunt has been offered by Illinois and will visit there beginning Monday, per a source.

Hunt finished the 2023 season with 32 tackles, 11 TFLs and 5.5 sacks. https://t.co/AHzG5fzJft pic.twitter.com/jIXxFmY2UG

— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) May 12, 2024

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NFL Attrition

Certainly, a position where NFL attrition has taken a major effect on the Illini roster. The “Law Firm” of Keith Randolph and Johnny Newton just recently departed Illinois Football for the NFL. Opening two major holes on the Illini’s defensive line. Coach Terrance Jamison brought in transfers like Auburn DL Enyce Sledge , as well as Florida State DL Dennis Briggs Jr to fill the voids. The unit seemingly had good spring with the new additions. Of course, despite the re-transfer of Youngstown State DL Anthony Johnson.  However, roster moves happen, and coach Terrance Jamison now has a good chance to add to the room.

Plus, Bret has been very high on Alex Bray and Terah  Edwards. However, there is not a ton of proven experience here. As we know in the Big Ten, injuries happen quite often on the line of scrimmage. As a result, Illinois must be well-equipped with productive depth pieces.