Illinois Football: Lideatrick Griffin would bring versatility to the Illini offense
The Illinois football team is on the rise and we have to strike while the iron is hot when it comes to recruiting.
In the recruiting world, a commitment is only a word until there is pen to paper. That is why teams still offer recruits scholarships throughout the recruitment process despite that recruit being committed to another program. Illinois is now dipping their toe into this water. They have offered a scholarship to Lideatrick Griffin.
Griffin is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound wide receiver from Philadelphia High School in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 196 player in the class of 2020 and the No. 8 athlete in the nation. He is also the No. 3 player to come out of Mississippi in 2020.
Various teams have come in with offers for Griffin. Most of the programs are from the SEC or in the south somewhere. But Illinois is trying to get this kid to come further north and play for the Orange and Blue. It will be interesting to see if the Illini can get in this recruitment considering Griffin is already committed to Mississippi State.
Mississippi State had been recruiting Griffin for a while. He attended their camp back in 2018 and then committed in November of the same year. But, back in May of 2019, Griffin reopened his recruitment. That didn’t last long as he recommitted to the Bulldogs a month later. A little time has passed, though. Could more teams be creeping into this recruitment?
I think it is fair to say Griffin is a playmaker. He isn’t just a wide receiver. He can play multiple roles in an offense, and that is what Illinois continues to look for when it comes to recruiting. I think Rod Smith could use Griffin in the slot, or he could spread him out and do some gimmick plays like a reverse or jet sweep. Griffin would give this Illini offense more options.
Illinois might as well offer Griffin. He is a player who would fit with any offense in the nation. Hopefully, Illinois can make some waves and at least get a visit out of this kid.