Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: Corey Crooms visit to Champaign was “exciting”

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 25: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders cheer during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 25, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 25: The Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders cheer during the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 25, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

There are many talented players the Illinois football team is pursuing for the class of 2019.

This past weekend was huge for the Illini as they had a multitude of recruits visit the campus from this class. One of the recruits that visited the campus was Corey Crooms.

Crooms is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound wide receiver from Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, Illinois. He isn’t rated or ranked by the recruiting sites, but I consider him one of the more underrated recruits coming from the state of Illinois. This was the first time Crooms had a chance to step foot on the Illini campus, and he enjoyed every second of it.

“The visit down to Champaign was very exciting,” said Crooms, “It was a good experience and it was great talking to all of the coaches.”

I am glad Crooms could finally get down to see the Illinois coaching staff and the campus. Despite not being rated, this kid has the potential to be a really good player at the next level.

From what I can tell, Crooms doesn’t have blinding speed. I would bet that is why he isn’t rated. You mix that in with his height, and scouts tend to look away. But, one thing they are forgetting is his hands. He has an amazing ability to catch the ball no matter who is on him. When I watch Crooms play, he reminds me a lot of current Illini wide receiver Mike Dudek. He was underrated coming out of high school as well.

Illinois seems really interested in Crooms as a wide receiver, he told the Writing Illini. They haven’t offered him a scholarship yet, but that could come sooner rather than later. There is still a lot to love about the program, though.

“Well, when I went there all of the coaches were just very pumped and excited,” said Crooms, “they emphasized a lot about brotherhood and how their program is a family.”

Lovie Smith and the coaching staff are sending the right message to these recruits. They want that family feel when they leave their homes and come to Champaign. That is a great recruiting pitch to these young athletes.

If Illinois does end up offering Crooms, they will have some competition. Central Michigan is currently giving him the most attention, and I believe they are his only scholarship offer right now. He will also be visiting Western Michigan and Cincinnati coming up as well.

Next: Illini offer 2019 safety Jarrian Jones

It is exciting to get a player like Crooms in for a visit. Illinois needs to continue building that connection with in-state recruits. This will be huge for future success. I think Crooms would be a sneaky offer if it happens. I would be in favor of this opportunity.

Home/Illinois Basketball Recruiting