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Illinois Football: Discussing the Illini with Dallas Craddieth

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini helmets during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini helmets during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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A week ago today, the Illinois football team made the top 12 for Dallas Craddieth.

This is a big step in the right direction for the Illini to land this talented player from Hazelwood Central High School in Florissant, Missouri. Craddieth can be a piece for the Illini to help build the program back into a contender.

Craddieth is a high three-star safety who is ranked as the No. 491 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 9 player in the state of Missouri. Picking him out of Missouri would also help continue the push to win the surrounding states as well.

The top 12 teams on Craddieth’s big board are Missouri, Ole Miss, Minnesota, Iowa, Purdue, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Vanderbilt, Iowa State, Michigan State, North Carolina and Illinois. This is a list that includes some pretty good teams, but the Writing Illini had a chance to ask him what stands out about the Illinois program?

“I really like the coaches,” said Craddieth, “they stay in touch with me every week, almost every day lol.”

Craddieth also likes what the coaching staff brings to the table.

“Then there is all the NFL experience on the coaching staff, which is a great resource to pursuing an NFL career,” said Craddieth.

The coaching experience is one aspect of why the hiring by Josh Whitman was spectacular. Lovie Smith brings many years in the NFL that includes a run to the Super Bowl. He also hired a coaching staff that has years of playing and coaching experience at the next level as well.

Knowing this coaching staff is keeping in contact with Craddieth is also comforting. Without being inside the program it is difficult to see how hard this staff is working to build the class of 2018 and beyond. This shows Illinois fans the staff is committed to winning on and off the field.

Oct 15, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

Lovie and Craddieth have also talked about the future as well. The road map was laid out for Craddieth and what Lovie expects of him in the future. When asked whether the two have talked about his role on the team, Craddieth had this to say.

“Yes, I have a little, and he thinks I can lead the defense,” said Craddieth, “I remind him of some of the great ones he’s coached or played with, and he knows I want to play in the NFL so he believes Illinois is the best place to get me there.”

Illinois has the coaching experience to get Craddieth to the next level. The coaching staff knows what it takes to make the NFL. Craddieth knows what he needs to work on as well.

“My footwork a little and then I think too much sometimes, which throws off how I react,” said Craddieth.

The fact that a high school football player knows his weaknesses and can identify them is tremendous. He knows what he needs to work on, and he also knows Illinois has a coaching staff that can help him break those bad habits.

Every football player has weaknesses but what sets the great ones apart is being able to identify those faults. The future is going to be bright for this kid no matter what program he decides to choose. On top of knowing his weaknesses, he has also identified his strengths as a player.

“My biggest strength is that I can play multiple positions and do a lot of things on defense and offense,” said Craddieth, “but as a safety, I think I am a really good tackler, and I think my range from high safety to the sidelines is pretty good as well.”

Illinois is recruiting Craddieth hard and for a good reason. This kid gets it and seems like the entire package. It is shocking that he is not a four-star or higher recruit.

If Illinois can land Craddieth it will help the secondary tremendously. He will be an asset to the defense within the first few years of being in Champaign. The Illini need to continue making a push for him and that feeling seems mutual.

Craddieth has already been up to Champaign to visit the Illini. He also plans on taking another visit at the end of July as well. Another cut to his list of schools will happen down the road to either five or six programs.

Next: 3 ways Brad Underwood will change the team

While no date on a commitment is set right now, hopefully, the Illini will be alive when the decision happens. Love is implementing press coverage in the recruiting game, and nabbing a player like Craddieth is one of the priorities for this coaching staff.

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