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Illinois Football: The Illini might be the change Jashua Allen needs

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 11: Illinois cheerleaders lead the team on to the field before a Big Ten Conference football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on November 11, 2017, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 11: Illinois cheerleaders lead the team on to the field before a Big Ten Conference football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini on November 11, 2017, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Bringing in players who already have experience is an important aspect of recruiting for the Illinois football team.

One of Illinois’ top targets for the class of 2019 is Jashua Allen. He is a player who would help the program day one and could bring a level of experience to the table that other recruits can’t. He also cut his list down to just five teams this past Saturday. The teams still vying for his commitment are Utah, Colorado, Washington State, Iowa State and Illinois.

The experience Allen would bring to the Illini is invaluable. Allen played for Riverside City College in his first year out of high school. With Riverside, he accumulated 46 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a pick six.

This upcoming season is going to be different, though. Allen is going to be suiting up for Arizona Western College. This will be his sophomore season and will have two years of eligibility after he departs from the junior college ranks in 2019.

Allen was able to fill the Writing Illini in on a few tidbits about his recruitment as well. He mentioned that one of his five official visits was taken back in June and that he will be taking his official visit to Illinois in October. The other three have not been scheduled yet, but he says in due time they will be taken.

There are many draws to playing for the Illinois football team. You can point out the experience of the head coach. You can look at the history of great players to come out of Champaign. Everyone has a different reason for wanting to play for the Orange and Blue. Allen shared some of his feelings on what makes the Illini stand out.

“What makes Illinois stand out is that they are completely on the other side of the US from home,” said Allen, “It’s just a different program and it may be the change that I need.

Illinois would be a big change from the west coast. They are a program of tradition and history, but one of the biggest coaching draws for Allen seems to be defensive coordinator, Hardy Nickerson.

Nickerson – a 5-time Pro Bowler and 2-time All-Pro – developed a great football legacy on the west coast. He was a legend playing for the Cal Golden Bears and then took his talents to the NFL where he played 16 years for four different teams. Also, in four of his five Pro Bowl years, Nickerson’s linebacker coach was Lovie Smith.

So, with that being said, Nickerson is a big selling point for the Illinois football team. Right now, Allen just wants to get to know the coach more, though.

“We are more focused on just building a relationship,” said Allen.

Building that relationship is big for the Illini. They need to make sure there is a great connection between Allen and Nickerson. That relationship foundation started back in spring ball.

“Well, I got a chance to meet Coach Nickerson during spring ball,” said Allen, “He was a real cool dude and I enjoyed getting to know him as a person and learning about him and his story.”

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

Hopefully, this relationship continues to grow and get stronger. Illinois needs a linebacker like Allen to help replace some talent that will be departing in 2019. His recruitment is one to keep an eye on over the next six months.

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