Illinois Football: Quadre Nicholson would thrive in Rod Smith Illini offense

The Illinois football team is starting to build momentum for the class of 2020.

While the Illini have yet to close the deal with a recruit from this class, they continue to make the top list of some talented players. One of the lists Illinois made was a little over a month ago, February 11, when Quadre Nicholson decided to narrow his decision down to 10 programs. He kept Michigan State, Boston College, Iowa, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Indiana, Minnesota, Toledo, Miami (OH) and Illinois alive for his commitment.

In the most updated 247Sports rankings, Nicholson is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1,068 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 71 running back in the nation. He is also the No. 17 player in the state of Illinois as well.

The fact that Nicholson is an in-state product is huge for the Illini. He attends Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Illinois. He is also built well standing at 6-foot tall and weighing in at 185-pounds. He has a chance to be a dynamic running back at the next level, and with what better team than a Rod Smith led Illinois offense?

Coach Smith has done some amazing things with the Illinois offense since taking the reins. In 2017, running back Reggie Corbin only rushed for 78 yards and zero touchdowns. This past season was incredible, though. He put up 1,085 yards and nine touchdowns. He also did this with the last program he was offensive coordinator with as well.

While at Arizona, Coach Smith took over an offense that averaged 96.3 yards per game on the ground, which ranked No. 111 in the nation. In his first season as offensive coordinator, the Wildcats averaged 219.8 YPG on the ground, which ranked No. 18 in the nation. He did that with Illinois too. The Illini ranked No. 122 in the nation averaging 105.6 YPG rushing in 2017. In the first year under Coach Smith, the Illini averaged 244 YPG on the ground, which ranked No. 12 in the nation.

Coach Smith’s ability to bring the best out of players is one reason why I think Nicholson should pick the Orange and Blue. His talent is another reason. This kid could really help Illinois win some games in the future.

During his junior year of high school, Nicholson rushed for 1,208 yards and 15 touchdowns. There is a lot to love about what Nicholson brings to the game. I would say the most impressive thing about his running ability is his patience. This kid isn’t just running into the line of scrimmage. He can wait and see what is happening and then hit a hole that is about to open. He seems like a really smart runner.

While I might have been a little late to the party recognizing Nicholson cut his list to 10 teams, I do recognize how good this kid could be on the field. With an offense like Illinois has, the sky is the limit for this in-state rusher.