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Illinois Football: Jashua Allen would help solidify Illini linebacker core

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Big things are happening in Littyville as another recruit included the Illinois football team on their top list.

Jashua Allen cut his list down to just five programs and kept the likes of Colorado, Utah, Iowa State, Washington State and Illinois alive for his commitment. This would be a big get for whatever team he picks because he is coming from the junior college ranks and already has experience.

Allen is a 6-foot-2, 225-pound inside linebacker from Tigard High School in Portland, Oregon. Coming out of high school, Allen wasn’t ranked or rated but now he is one of the highest rated JUCO players coming out in the class of 2019.

Last season, Allen played for the Riverside City College football team at the JUCO level. He had a solid season as well. He finished the year with 46 tackles, 5.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He also had a pick six too. This kid was the real deal, and I expect him to come to the DI ranks with the same type of game as well.

The fact Illinois made the top five for Allen is a good accomplishment. They are out of his way as far as location goes, and this is the reason why I think Washington State probably has a leg up with Colorado and Utah right there as well. But, don’t underestimate the power of the Illini coaching staff.

It is hard to turn down a head coach in Lovie Smith who has not only coached some NFL Hall of Famers at the NFL level, but he has also taken in players like Del’Shawn Phillips of the JUCO ranks and raised their game to another level. I would expect him to be an NFL draft pick in 2019.

The power of Hardy Nickerson as a defensive coordinator is strong too. He is a 5-time Pro Bowler and a 2-time All-Pro at the NFL level. He has also done a great job recruiting the west coast. Those are his stomping grounds.

Illinois is also going to have space at the linebacker position in 2019 as well. Phillips will have departed leaving a big hole for someone to fill immediately. Having an experienced and talented player like Allen would help the Illini not miss a beat in the absence of Phillips.

Next: Projected floor and ceiling for the Illini recruits in year one

I am excited Illinois is in the top five for Allen. This kid is a talented linebacker who would help the team from day one. Getting him would help solidify the linebacker position.

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