Illinois football commit Blake Jeresaty’s goal “help my team win, period”
The Illinois football team, on paper, didn’t have the best recruiting class for 2020 by any means.
If you look at the recruiting rankings, the Illini only check-in as the No. 87 class in the nation. That isn’t good, but the only reason we are down that low is the fact we didn’t sign a big class. We only had 13 commitments, so the recruiting ranking is going to be low. But the coaching staff isn’t done adding players for next season.
One area that I am concerned about for the upcoming campaign is the offensive line. There isn’t a ton of depth on the offensive line, and that is why the commitment from Blake Jeresaty on Saturday was big for the program.
Coming out of Bishop England High School in South Carolina, Jeresaty was being overlooked by many programs. He didn’t have a lot of recruiting attention but landed with Wofford.
It’s time to go B1G 🟠🔵— I’m excited to announce my commitment to The University of Illinois! Thank you to my Wofford teammates, coaches and peers for the last four years- I will always be grateful. Time to take the next step #illini pic.twitter.com/eDV8X53JhQ
— Blake Jeresaty (@Bmjeresaty) April 11, 2020
As a freshman with the Terriers, Jeresaty didn’t see playing time and redshirted. The following season, he finally had a chance to play in 11 games and actually started in five of those contests at center.
Jeresaty’s final two seasons with Wofford were the best for the talented offensive lineman. He started in every game – 24 games total – for the program. He played at the center position in each of these games. But, with a year of eligibility remaining, he wanted to test the waters to see how high he can take his career.
Illinois is now receiving Jeresaty via the transfer route and all of the talent he brings to the table. But why did the big man want to come to Champaign? Why did he pick the Orange and Blue?
“I wanted to go to a place where winning is paramount. I loved everything about the program, and it was huge for me to have an opportunity to compete for a starting job in the Big Ten.”
The opportunity to compete for a starting job is a big attraction, but with so much experience at the center position, does that mean Doug Kramer’s job is in jeopardy? That isn’t the case at all. Jeresaty let the Writing Illini in on where the coaching staff sees him playing.
“Right Guard. The best part about the offensive line is how good they are already. I am hoping to come in and add experience, toughness and commitment to an already elite group. I know for a fact I am going to have to compete harder than I ever have in my life, but that will only make the group stronger no matter what.”
The Illinois offensive line is going to get a big boost with the addition of Jeresaty. The right guard position did need some help with depth, and he will fill that void. But there are some intangible things Jeresaty can help with as well. He let us know what his goals are when joining the team.
“Help my team win, period. If that is coaching up the younger guys, hopping in at center, or controlling the right guard spot, whatever Coach Smith and McClain need.”
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I think it is blatantly clear that Illinois didn’t just get a talented All-American offensive lineman when Jeresaty committed a couple of days ago, but they also got a leader in the locker room. His leadership and impact will be felt by the program for years to come.