The Illinois football team is trying to get into the Jackson Cravens sweepstakes as they have now offered him a scholarship.
Cravens is a 6-foot-3, 275-pound defensive tackle from Timpview High School in Provo, Utah. He is rated as a high three-star recruit who is the No. 433 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 36 defensive tackle in the nation. Getting someone of Cravens caliber would be good for the Illinois football team.
Again, Illinois is late to the party with the offer to Cravens. He has already been recruited by a wide range of programs, most of which are power five conference teams. On September 22, Cravens took his first official visit as well. He went up to Michigan State and visited the Spartans. That means he is willing to come away from the west coast, though.
Illinois has had a rotation at defensive tackle this season that included Jamal Milan, Kenyon Jackson and Tymir Oliver. These three, as well as the other defensive tackles on the team, have done an okay job this season. But, 2018 is going to bring in some top talent that will likely get the starting positions.
I would like to add Cravens to that mix to go along with incoming four-star defensive tackle Calvin Avery. If Cravens would team up with Avery, the Illinois front four would be one of the best groups in the Big Ten. There is a long road ahead for the Illini to get into the mix for Cravens, though.
Cravens is a talented defensive tackle who will help any team he chooses immediately. During his junior season, he finished the year with 160 tackles and 13 sacks. He was named 4A Defensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-State selection in Utah.
I love Cravens ability to get off the line. He is so quick with his first step and that enables him to get to the quarterback before he can go through his progressions. He is also quick as well. His closing speed is very impressive.
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Would I love a player like Cravens on the Illini? Sure, but I doubt it will happen. I think they are a little too late to this party.