Illinois Football: Arlen Harris Jr. receives first offer from Illini

The Illinois football coaching staff tapped into the 2022 marketing again this week with an offer to a big-time running back.

We don’t know what the Illinois backfield will look like in 2022. The players who will be getting the carries aren’t on the roster right now. But, laying the foundation to snag a great class for 2022 is important right now. That is what this Illini coaching staff is doing.

The big-time player they offered on Wednesday of this week was Arlen Harris Jr. He is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound athlete from Lutheran High School in Saint Peters, MO. He isn’t ranked or rated by 247Sports because 2022 is really far away, but he is starting to build up some notoriety.

Illinois looks to be Harris’ first scholarship offer. Getting in early on this kid’s recruitment is important. The Illini can build a good rapport with him and develop that relationship over the next four years. I would imagine Harris is going to get quite a few more scholarship offers this year and into the future.

Harris had a pretty good freshman campaign that put him on the recruiting map. It is hard to judge what a player will be like when he gets older. Harris is only a freshman right now, but his development over the next year or so will really determine if he is going to be one of the best in the country. From the looks of things, I think he has potential.

I really like Harris’ ability to find the hole. He doesn’t just run into the line. He is a patient runner that can see the field and see where the defender is going before he makes a move. Having this ability is huge for a running back. His speed is solid as well. I imagine he will get even quicker in the next year or two.

There is a lot to like about what Harris brings to the field. He is going to be a really good player, and I am glad the Illini are in early on his recruitment. The foundation is getting stronger for a great team in the future.