Illinois coaching staff this week already visited Luke Ford and family down in cartersville. I personally Believe they secured one more year from Luke. Mainly because of Barry Lunney Jr and what his offense can do for Luke. Deep relationships and love for Lunney and Bielema. Like Will get drafted next year just as he would of this year.
Yesterday and today coaches are in Florida and focused on Daniel Barker and Brian Hightower. Lunney wanted to introduce himself and Hightower isn’t happy about how last season played out. Barely playing and he was healthy for an big chunk of the year and Petersen never used him. Barker on the other hand had great moments and is the best pass catcher out of the right end group and has a real shot to play in the NFL or be drafted in late rounds with a big year. Lunney using mainly two TE sets will be an attractive piece in the recruitment process as well. Hightower was a reliable receiver in 2020 and would be a big boost to a receiving core needing quality depth.
As I said last week, expect another name who hit the portal and “left the program” to make a return and announce it soon. Defensive piece that will be needed
Yesterday and today coaches are in Florida and focused on Daniel Barker and Brian Hightower. Lunney wanted to introduce himself and Hightower isn’t happy about how last season played out. Barely playing and he was healthy for an big chunk of the year and Petersen never used him. Barker on the other hand had great moments and is the best pass catcher out of the right end group and has a real shot to play in the NFL or be drafted in late rounds with a big year. Lunney using mainly two TE sets will be an attractive piece in the recruitment process as well. Hightower was a reliable receiver in 2020 and would be a big boost to a receiving core needing quality depth.
As I said last week, expect another name who hit the portal and “left the program” to make a return and announce it soon. Defensive piece that will be needed