Illinois Football: 5 Illini Crystal Ball recruits for the class of 2019

2. Jonathan Perkins

Jonathan Perkins is a 6-foot-1, 207-pound outside linebacker from Cajon High School in San Bernardino, California. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 291 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 32 player in the state of California.

Illinois is at 33-percent according to the Crystal Ball but there have been a lot of programs after Perkins recently. They also have Oklahoma and Oregon at 33-percent for him as well. Other teams like Texas A&M, Nebraska and Arizona have all offered him in the last three weeks.

The Illini could really use a player like Perkins. He would not only bring a level of skill to the linebacker role we haven’t seen in a while, but he would also fill a huge need. The Illini linebackers are getting older and they are going to need to be replaced soon.

Just watching Perkins dominate in high school is exciting. His speed is what really stands out. He has the ability to rush the line but can also drop back and not miss a beat. He is going to be a great asset to whatever program he chooses.

Getting Perkins would be huge for Lovie Smith. Do I think it will happen? No, probably not purely based on his location and the type of offers he is getting. It also seems like he has warmed up to the Sooners lately as well. But, you never know. He is a program changer.