Over the last two seasons, the Illinois football program has started to become a safe landing spot for players who are looking for playing time and a fresh start.
Some of the most impactful players on the current rendition of the Illini are transfers. Arguably, our best wide receiver, Josh Imatorbhebhe, came in from USC. He transferred in with Travon Sidney, who is a talented wide receiver but is currently on the mend.
Illinois’ quarterback, Brandon Peters, transferred in from Michigan and should be our starter for the rest of this season and through 2020. Richie Petitbon is protecting Peters on the offensive line, and he transferred in from Alabama. I could continue on, but you get the point. Illinois is a place where players, who don’t like their current situations, can come and make an impact immediately.
There could be another transfer on the horizon for the Orange and Blue. Mannie Netherly is a 6-foot-3, 199-pound cornerback from Crosby High School in Crosby, Texas. Coming out of high school, Netherly was rated as a four-star recruit who was the No. 251 player in the class of 2017. His talent landed him various scholarships, but he ended up picking LSU.
In the two seasons Netherly was with the Tigers, he didn’t get much playing time. He saw action in one game as a freshman and then 11 games last season. Now Netherly is looking for a new home after entering his name back into the transfer portal a couple of months ago. Where will his next landing spot be, though?
I believe the recruitment is focusing on two teams so far. Houston and Illinois seem to be the only two teams Netherly has visited since entering the portal. Both teams seem to be good fits for Netherly, depending on what he wants to do.
It looks like Netherly’s sister currently attends Houston and plays basketball for the Cougars. But, judging by his dad’s tweet, Netherly is going to be switching back to wide receiver and that could be enticing for the former four-star recruit. So, as of right now, it seems like it is a two-team race, but there is still some time for him to get in a few more visits.
There is no doubt Illinois could use more wide receiver help. Netherly could come in and play next year for the Orange and Blue. I believe he would have two years left as well. This would be big for the program considering Ricky Smalling, Trevon Sidney, Dominic Stampley, Imatorbhebhe, Caleb Reams and Trenard Davis will all depart the program over the next two years. That is a massive gap in the team that needs to be filled.
If you are an Illini fan, I would keep an eye out for Netherly. This kid is extremely talented and will help any team he picks. Hopefully, Champaign is the landing spot.