Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: Illini are not out of the Merlin Robertson race

By Rees Woodcock

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 23: Head coach Lovie Smith of the University of Illinois football team looks on before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 5-3. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 23: Head coach Lovie Smith of the University of Illinois football team looks on before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on July 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Cubs won 5-3. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

So, a few weeks ago, the Illinois football team seemed to have been out of the Merlin Robertson race.

Robertson was supposed to take an official visit to Champaign on the weekend of January 12, but he canceled that visit and took an official visit to Arizona State instead. In my eyes, that was a sign the Illini were out of the running for this talented linebacker.

But, as Lee Corso would put it, not so fast my friend. In an interview with Greg Biggins of 247Sports, Robertson talked about his recruitment and where everyone stands. Of course, he had rave reviews of Arizona State. They just hired Herm Edwards who is a big name. But, he also mentioned Illinois wasn’t out of the race either.

Robertson will be taking an official visit to Illinois this weekend. He is excited about the potential to play under defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson because he is a former NFL great at linebacker. This is one of his goals and Illinois can get him to that point.

In addition to the Illini having a great connection to the NFL, their new offensive coordinator might help in the recruitment of Robertson as well. He coached at Arizona last season and the quarterback who he coached, Khalil Tate, went to the same high school as Robertson. I know it seems like a stretch, but there is probably some familiarity with Rod Smith and Robertson already.

I am surprised the Illini are back in the race for Robertson. It has me excited to see that he is coming up to Champaign this weekend. Illinois wants this kid and for a good reason. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 149 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 7 outside linebacker in the nation. Everyone wants him but the Illini are one of the top programs.

Next: 5 takeaways from the Illini loss to Michigan State

If Illinois can land Robertson, that would boost their class of 2018 up to top 35 in the nation, roughly. They could really use this kid for next season and into the future. Lovie and Nickerson need to make some magic happen.

Home/Illinois Basketball Recruiting