Illinois Football: OG Nathan Cardona receives Illini offer
The Illinois football team went after another offensive lineman for the future on Thursday night.
It was announced via Twitter on Thursday that Nathan Cardona had received a scholarship offer from the Illini. This is a big offer for both parties. Cardona is starting to pile up big-time offers, and Illinois needs more depth on the offensive line.
Cardona is a 6-foot-4, 275-pound offensive guard from Yorba Linda High School in Yorba Linda, California. He is rated as a three-star recruit but doesn’t have a ranking yet for the class of 2020. He seems like a player that is continuing to rise because of the scholarships that are coming in.
Illinois is the most recent offer but, over the last week or so, more have started to come in. Teams like New Mexico, Utah State, Fresno State and Army all want this Cardona to join their program. It will be interesting to see who wins out here.
Congratulations to @ylhsfootball c/o 20’ OL Nathan Cardona on receiving an offer from The University Of Illinois Thank you Coach Smith! @IlliniRSmith @Coach_BMcClain @IlliniFootball #FightingIllini #BIG10 @ylhsfootball @GregBiggins @ocvarsityguy @ncardona71 pic.twitter.com/ZkfAyKxpTh
— Michael Cardona (@CoachCardonaOL) April 5, 2019
Looking at what Cardona can do on the field, I think he would be a seamless fit for the Illini at the guard position. The one thing that sticks out to me about him as a football player is his lower body. His legs are like tree trunks, so he will be very difficult to move off the offensive line. That will enable the Illini quarterbacks and running backs to get the proper time needed to make big plays. I also like Cardona’s ability to run block. It seems like this kid has solid technique at the high school level.
Like previously mentioned, Illinois is going to need some serious help on the offensive line in a year or two. By 2021, six of the 12 offensive linemen that are currently on the roster will have departed the program. That makes me worried about what we are going to have up front.
Next. 3 top targets for the Illini this offseason. dark
Getting a player like Cardona to come in and, most likely, redshirt year one is optimal. This kid could get the feel of the game and get stronger for a year. Illinois would then unleash him during his redshirt junior campaign. He, actually, may even end up starting for the program in 2021. I like this offer because we need more help up front. Cardona fits that bill.