Illinois Football: Rashad Rochelle talks Illini in recruiting update
It is never too early to think about the future of the Illinois football program and what recruits might be interested in helping the team win a Big Ten title.
A player to keep an eye on is Rashad Rochelle. The 6-foot, 170-pound dual-threat quarterback is entering his junior year at Springfield High School in Illinois. The Writing Illini had a chance to chat with Rochelle recently, as he explained some of his aspirations for the upcoming campaign.
“Team – win our league, go undefeated and win state. Personal – get more scholarship offers so I can have more opportunities.”
Some opportunities have already started to roll in for the talented quarterback. Central Michigan, Eastern Illinois, Illinois State and Western Illinois have all came in with a scholarship offer. More are sure to come, though.
The one team noticeably missing from the list, the University of Illinois.
“I feel if they (Illinois) offer me, then they are serious. Right now, I don’t think they are serious.”
Rochelle continued on with his thoughts about the Illinois program.
“They’re losing a lot of top Illinois recruits. The coaching staff seems pretty cool. I have talked with Rod Smith several times. Bellamy is reaching out to me. I want to say in-state for college, so of course, I am going to try Illinois, but I can’t wait too long because I have other coaches that I talk with also. I am about building relationships early.”
That relationship building is leading to even more interest from big-time programs.
“The four that have already offered, plus Mizzou, Iowa, Miami (OH), Western Michigan and Purdue. I am building relationships with all of them.”
Despite the Illini not offering Rochelle a scholarship yet, the Orange and Blue have been in contact with him frequently.
“Yes, a lot, but when (Joe) Price left and the virus hit, things slowed down. I talked with Coach Rod Smith about three weeks ago, and Bellamy DM’d me last night.”
Rochelle mentioned that the virus slowed down his recruitment a bit. This seems to be a trend with most recruits. With the Covid-19 pandemic going on, he also let us in on what he has been doing to hone his skills.
“Well, I have been lifting weights and speed training. I have put on 20-pounds since freshman year. I am also going to start back working with Wes Lunt again. I was working with him before the virus hit.”
Rochelle went more in-depth on areas of improvement this offseason.
“I am going to start learning more about reading a defense and things like that and footwork stuff.”
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Covid-19 has slowed down a lot of recruitments over the past four months. Rochelle is no exception. But, despite the worldwide pandemic, the young playmaker continues to strive for success. He wants to earn more scholarship offers. The only way to do that is to work, and no one is questioning his work ethic. He has an extremely bright future.