Should Illinois Football target this Alabama Lineman?

A Massive Transfer Portal Target For Illinois Football To Keep an Eye On

Former Illinois Football offensive Line target Miles McVay has officially decided to transfer from Alabama, furthermore entering the Portal according to Hayes Fawcett of On3.

The highly sought-after East. St Louis native naturally saw no action as a freshman for the Tide in 2024. The Former Under Armour All-American could be a major portal recruiting test for Bret Bielema and Bart Miller if they decide to pursue him.

Following a momentous 9-3 season, with a Citrus Bowl ahead, coach Bielema’s staff aims to sway portal recruits with a sell of winning. A few experienced portal pieces would position the Illini well to take on a seemingly favorable 2025 schedule. The offensive line isn’t necessarily at the top of portal needs for Illinois Football. However, adding a former in-state four-star transfer to the mix of competition certainly couldn’t hurt coach Miller’s unit in the long run.

BREAKING: Alabama OL Miles McVay plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports

The 6’6 340 OL was a 4-Star Recruit in the ‘23 Classhttps://t.co/rbWqebMMzZ pic.twitter.com/Fbku2pwZhQ

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 8, 2024

Scouting Report

Miles McVay stands at a whopping 6’6 and 350 lbs., with excellent strength and pass-rush protection ability. The East St Louis native could potentially fit the bill to replace JC Davis at left tackle when he moves on to the NFL, following the Citrus Bowl. After all, he was a really good tackle for a powerhouse East St. Louis program.

Or, paired with his scary combination of size and strength, some shuffling could lead to Miles making his way into the interior OL for Illinois Football. Regardless, there is a chance McVay could make an immediate impact in Champaign as a Sophomore. However, the long-term future for the Illinois native, is very bright.

247 Sports’ Allen Trieu holds high regard for Miles McVay, drawing comparisons to current Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Orlando Brown.

Trieu states, “(McVay) Has competed at the varsity level and against top camp competition since very early in his career. Owns a large frame with a good wing-span. Technically advanced from a young age. Plays with a sturdy base and has the natural power and strength to where he is tough to bull-rush, but he is also skilled enough as a pass protector to handle speed rushers. We would like to see him continue to manage his weight and keep working on his lateral movement. But he has the size and technical savvy to be a starter, likely at right tackle, for a high-major program. He has proven himself at camps and at East St. Louis and has a chance to play beyond college especially if he takes to a college S&C program.”

Miles undoubtedly needs to work with Tank Wright to reach Big Ten playing conditions as a redshirt-sophomore. Bret Bielema’s track record of developing offensive linemen proves it can certainly be done.

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