Illinois Football: Zachary Barlev sees the belief in Illini coach Lovie Smith

Without a great offensive line, the Illinois football team will fail to win games in the future.

That is a simple statement that really rings true with any program across the nation. There is a great need to protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running back. The Illini have a great offensive line coming into the 2020 campaign, but what about the future? We are going to need to build depth and bring in solid offensive linemen. Someone like Zachary Barlev could be the answer.

Barlev is a 6-foot-4, 250-pound guard from Plainfield East High School and resides in Plainfield, Illinois. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1,249 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 47 guard in the nation. He is also the No. 32 player in the state of Illinois.

There were a number of teams eyeing Barlev and inviting him to their junior day, but Illinois was the first team to come in with a scholarship offer to the young lineman. But with everything going on with Covid-19, has Illinois been able to keep up-to-date with Barlev?

“Yes, I have been in contact with Coach (Bob) McClain, the offensive line coach.”

Communication between recruit and coaching staff is key to landing players like Barlev. Getting the recruit to campus is another tool to get them to commit to the program. But the shutdown of everything has made recruiting visits all virtual. Thankfully, the Illini were able to get ahead of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I was able to visit Illinois early.”

Since Barlev was able to visit Champaign before the shutdown occurred, I wanted to pick his brain about what he thought of the campus and coaching staff.

“Amazing, the entire program believes in Coach Lovie Smith and his process, and the campus is beautiful.”

It sounds like Barlev loves what is going on at Illinois. The Illini clearly want to bring him aboard too, considering they were the first to offer him a scholarship. Lovie and the coaching staff love a versatile player who can contribute early on in their career. But what position do they see Barlev playing if he picks the Orange and Blue?

“They would want me at guard, but I want to learn all five positions so if something happens to someone, I know what to do to get in.”

The willingness to work and learn other positions is something that will win a lot of coaches and fans over quickly. That hard work and tenacity will help him get through some of his struggles as well. Everything hasn’t been a smooth ride for Barlev over the past year.

“They wanted me to get an MRI, and I did that last Wednesday. I need to send it in for their doctor team to look at.”

Barlev isn’t just a talented football player, but he is also a talented wrestler as well. During the wrestling season, he chipped a bone on his left hip. This has since healed and everything checked out in the MRI.

With Barlev’s health checking out and his senior season approaching, his recruitment is going to start coming to an end. Illinois isn’t the only team vying for his commitment. But what is the talented guard looking for in a program?

“I am looking for a team that is all bought in and all trust and believe in each other. I am looking for a great enthusiastic strength coach who I can build a good relationship with because a lot of people say that you see the strength coach more than any of the other coaches.”

Knowing what you want in a program is extremely important. But what does Barlev want people to know about him and what he brings to the table?

“A determined and hardworking player who wants to get on the field and show the world his talent.”

I am excited to see the path Barlev takes with his recruitment. There are a lot of teams who want this kid to come play for them, but I hope he ends up with Illinois. No matter what, though, with the work he puts into the game, he is going to succeed wherever he ends up.