Illinois Football: Illini trying to build offensive line with offer to Evan Kirts

Despite the Illinois football team falling to Purdue, Illini recruiting had a big weekend with visitors from all over the county.

One of the players who visited and actually received a scholarship offer was Evan Kirts. He is a 6-foot-5, 250-pound offensive tackle from Brother Rice High School in Oak Lawn, Illinois. He is rated as a two-star recruit who is the No. 2684 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 236 offensive tackle in the nation.

Kirts has had a decent amount of recruiting activity this year. Illinois is now the ninth scholarship offer for him with the other eight being from MAC programs and a few high FCS teams. The fact Illinois had him in for a visit and offered him a scholarship means they see something in this kid for the future.

Just looking at his size on paper, I would expect Kirts to move over to the guard role at the college level. But, when I watch him on the field, I see a player who is bigger than 250-pounds. I have a hard time believing this kid is that small. I do think he needs to get a little bigger at the college level, but I believe he has all the tools to turn into a good player.

The first thing that stands out to me about Kirts is his mobility. The kid can move well off the ball. He isn’t a lumbering player who is slow but powerful. This kid can drop quickly into pass protection or get off the ball and seal the hole really well. Fundamentally, he looks to be on-point. The only issue I have with him right now is the size. But, that size and strength will get better with a collegiate training program.

Illinois offered a kid this weekend who has some talent. Kirts isn’t going to start day one, but he could provide more depth on the offensive line early on in his career. I think by year three and four, he could be a really special player.