Illinois Football: 3 reasons the Illini need to land Willie Shaw III
3. Impact on the class of 2021
The class of 2021 needs to be a big one for the Orange and Blue. In 2020, the Illini didn’t need a big class. They actually couldn’t sign a ton of players because they already had a full roster. But there are a lot of players graduating this season, and that opens up scholarships for 2021.
There are some fans worried about what the class of 2021 will look like, though. Just a week ago, we only had Samari Collier signed up for this class. But, since then, we have added defensive back Prince Green. Illinois will continue building on this class too. Snagging someone like Willie Shaw III would help tremendously.
Shaw would make for the third player to sign up for 2021. The impact he would have on this class would be felt in many different ways.
I think, if Shaw does commit, this would give Illinois a nice balance of playmakers so far for 2021. Collier is a quarterback, so he is a part of the future foundation. Collier would then have his running back in Shaw. They would both come in and compete from day one.
A Shaw commitment would help boost the Illinois fanbase confidence in what the class of 2021 would look like as well. Some people are worried we won’t be able to bring enough talent in. Shaw would fix that.
Next. Illini don Mel Kiper’s top 5 at each position. dark
Shaw would also boost the Illini recruiting ranking for 2021. He is a top 700 player and would be the highest-rated player in the class so far. This would help Illinois rise in the recruiting rankings. Getting Shaw would make a big impact on this program.