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Illinois Football: Top 5 recruiting targets for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: A fan of Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith cheers after the game against the Michigan State Spartansat Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: A fan of Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith cheers after the game against the Michigan State Spartansat Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Merlin Robertson

There are some talented players left in the class of 2018 and Merlin Robertson is one that the Illini need to snag.

Robertson is a 6-foot-3, 241-pound outside linebacker out of Junipero Serra High School in Gardena, California. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 164 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 10 outside linebacker in the country.

Let me first start by saying, I am impressed Illinois is even in the running for this kid. Robertson is such a highly rated recruit and he is from the west coast. Not only is Illinois in the running, but they are also one of the two so far to schedule an official visit. He is coming to Champaign on January 12 to see what this Illini program is all about.

I really like who is recruiting him as well. Hardy Nickerson is the man on Robertson’s recruitment. Nickerson is a former star linebacker in college and the NFL. He was also on the west coast before he came to Illinois and that helps with connections around the area.

Oddly enough, I think Illinois is a legit threat to snag Robertson. Nickerson is a lot of firepower and Robertson would be able to start day one for this Illini team. Right now, he is easily one of the top five biggest recruits for Illinois.

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