Illinois Football: Cali DT Siale Liku receives offer from Illini

The Illinois football coaching staff continued their push on the west coast Monday night.

Illinois ended up extending an offer to Siale Liku. He is a 6-foot-3, 311-pound defensive tackle from Oakland High School in Oakland, California. He is rated as a three-star recruit in the class of 2019 and the No. 88 player in the state of California.

The Illini now join a list of eight other programs to have offered Liku. Most of the teams on his list of scholarship offers are from the west coast, the only one not being Illinois. This could be an advantage or possible disadvantage come recruiting time. It all depends on if location is a factor.

Illinois wants to build depth on the defensive line, and I think that is exactly what they would be getting with the addition of Liku. He is a good player who the Illini can transform into a great defensive tackle.

I really like some aspects of Liku’s game. His jump off the line is tremendous. He can get off the line quickly and this enables him to get through the offensive line before they can really stop him. This asset will be great at the next level.

The drive Liku brings to the table is also great. He doesn’t give up on plays. He clearly wants to be out there and is willing to hustle to make plays for his teammates. That is the type of player I want on the Illinois football team.

Liku’s path at Illinois would likely include a redshirt year during his freshman campaign. He would then be a primary backup his first few years in Champaign. I could see him starting during his junior or senior year, though. This would be his time to shine. Throughout his entire Illinois career, he would get snaps too.

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

I like this offer from Illinois. They need a few more pieces on the defensive line and getting someone like Liku would be good for the program.