Illinois Football: Ranking the last 10 Illini recruiting classes

3. Class of 2017

The Lovie Smith era has started slowly on the football field, but the recruiting trail has been hot since he stepped into the building. The class of 2017 was Lovie’s first class and it didn’t disappoint.

The class of 2017 produced three four-star recruits and 14 three-star recruits. It is tough to see who exactly will pan out this early in their careers, but some of the players have had a great start already.

Owen Carney, Ricky Smalling and Carmoni Green were the three four-star recruits. Carney was a backup defensive end last season but played an important role. He is going to make an impact moving forward. Green is likely to be a starter for the Illini this season at wide receiver. I am excited to see what he can do. Smalling has been the best so far. This kid is going to rewrite record books at the wide receiver position.

Illinois’ group of three-star recruits will make an impact as well. Vederian Lowe and Larry Boyd have helped build the offensive line. Kendall Smith has moved to the defense and should make an impact. Kendrick Green is going to be vying for snaps on the defensive line. Mike Epstein and Ra’Von Bonner look to be a solid duo in the backfield as well.

The one player who I think will be drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft is Del’Shawn Phillips. He was a great JUCO transfer last season and will be a huge piece for the Illini this year. He is a great player. Let’s not forget the two-stars who came in and made a huge impact year one as well.

Jamal Woods, Nate Hobbs, James Knight, Louis Dorsey, Alex Palczewski, Dawson DeGroot, Bennett Williams, Bobby Roundtree and Isaiah Gay were all two-star recruits and they all had starts last season. They all did some great things and will continue that this year.

The class of 2017 is extremely underrated. There are some players who will drop off but for the most part, this class was really talented.