Illinois Football: Five Recruits for the Illini in 2018

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Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

OT Wyatt Blake

Next: Michael Thompson

The Illinois football offensive line is an area to address on a consistent basis.  They are a group that needs to be on point every season because everything goes through the line.

That is why I want the Illini to focus on 2018 offensive lineman Wyatt Blake.

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Blake is one of the top prospects in the state of Illinois.  He hasn’t been offered by the Illini but he also hasn’t been offered by any team just yet.

Blake is drawing interest from teams though.  Notre Dame, Michigan State and Iowa are all keeping an eye on this talented offensive lineman.

I look for the Illini to pursue Blake rather strongly as time goes on.  When 2018 rolls around there should be plenty of room for Blake to compete.

Illinois currently has 13 total offensive linemen on the roster this season.  Only 6 of those linemen are going to be around when Blake comes onto the scene in a couple of seasons.

If Illinois can pull in Blake, that would establish a few things, the first being that Lovie is building a team the right way; from the inside out.

The other thing it would prove is that Illinois is starting to own the state of Illinois.  This would be a solid pickup and a team builder.