Illinois Football: Illini targeting JUCO linebacker Dru Mathis
Another big offer on Thursday by the Illinois football team went to a recruit who is already in the college ranks.
Dru Mathis took to Twitter to announce that he has received a scholarship offer from Illinois. This is a big offer for the Illini considering Mathis is already a polished player at the college level.
Mathis is a 6-foot-3, 205-pound inside linebacker from Buena High School in Ventura, California. Coming out of high school, he was rated as a three-star recruit who was the No. 1306 player in the class of 2016 and the No. 54 inside linebacker in the nation.
The number of teams recruiting Mathis was strong, but he ended up picking San Diego State. After one redshirt season with the Aztecs, Mathis decided to transfer out. He has spent the past two seasons with Moorpark College of the California Community College Athletic Association.
This is BIG ! Blessed to receive my first BIG 10 offer from Illinois! Thank you @LovieSmith @UICoachClark @CoachStuMC @CoachJDiazMC pic.twitter.com/kGXMPJrsXb
— Reece Dru Mathis the Vth (@DruMathisVth) September 28, 2018
Last season, Mathis was listed as a defensive end, according to the team’s website. He had a chance to play in 10 games and recorded 85 tackles, two sacks, one fumble recovery and one interception. It seems like he was all over the field for this Moorpark team.
Mathis is now in his sophomore season where he continues to improve as a player and is tearing it up on the field. Through four games, Mathis has 42 tackles, 2.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. This kid is on pace to finish with well over 100 tackles on the season. He has done a great job at linebacker despite his team only being 1-3.
It looks like Mathis will have a new home to finish his final two years of college, though. Illinois has come in with an offer. This makes two DI offers for Mathis so far, the other one being UNLV. Honestly, I really hope the Illini are able to snag this kid.
Mathis has an aggression on the football field that I love. He is all over the place and causes chaos for every position on the offensive side of the ball. He is able to be a linebacker, but he can also be a dominant edge rusher. He can push the offensive tackles back and swim move around them. He is able to chase down any player who has the ball as well. He really reminds me of a Khalil Mack type of player.
Next. 3 fixes for the Illini during the bye week. dark
Illinois is in early on Mathis. They need him with the departure of Del’Shawn Phillips after this season. Getting someone like Mathis would be big for the Illini.