Illinois Football: Next move for the Illini after losing Fabian McCray
Even with a big win and commitment this weekend for the Illinois football team, not everything can go right for this program.
On Sunday afternoon, Illinois commit Fabian McCray announced on Twitter that he has decided to reopen his recruitment and back away from his Illini commitment. In the note, he says he needs to make sure he is making the best decision for himself and his future.
McCray backing away from his commitment comes on the heels of Illinois beating down Minnesota in a big win on Saturday. The Illini were also able to snag big-time defensive end Moses Okpala as well. He is a top 600 recruit for the class of 2019.
Illinois is now down to nine commitments for the class of 2019 after losing McCray. There is a possibility that he recommits but trends say once a player leaves a commitment, he is likely not to come back. So, we can’t count on a recommitment right now. Where does Illinois go from here, though?
The Illini still have an offense-heavy class for 2019. Isaiah Williams is coming in to play quarterback. He is a top 150 player. Kyron Cumby is a superstar running back who just lacks size. I believe if he was 6-foot, he would be ranked in the top 300 for the class of 2019.
Nick Fedanzo is coming in to help running back depth as well. He is an in-state kid who could make an impact early on in his career. Illinois has two pass catchers coming in as well. Casey Washington continues to impress down in Texas. He is a wide receiver who has good hands. I like Griffin Moore from the state of Illinois too. He is coming in as a tight end for the Illini.
Illinois needs to continue building their offense through the class of 2019, though. Snagging Jakai Clark for the offensive line would be big. Landing Isaiah Hookfin would be great too. He is a top 650 offensive lineman out of Texas. Both of these guys would help build the offensive line. But, what playmakers are on the Illini radar?
There really aren’t very many playmakers the Illini are after or interested in the Orange and Blue. We do have a couple solid guys coming in with the addition of Washington and Moore. Illinois isn’t losing much at the wide receiver position heading into next season either. Mike Dudek, Sam Mays and Zac Holman are the only departures. That isn’t bad.
Next. 5 observations from Illini win over Minnesota. dark
Losing McCray hurts the Illinois football program, but they are young and have talent at wide receiver. It might be time to focus on what playmakers are available for the class of 2020. That is a big offensive class for the Illini.