Illinois Football: Illini focused on class of 2021 DE Ja’Marian Peterson
The Illinois football coaching staff knows that winning the line of scrimmage wins you games.
That is why the Lovie Smith regime has built both the offensive and defensive lines into impressive units. The offensive line is the highest-rated grouping in the Big Ten heading into the 2020 campaign, while the defensive line continues to build by the week.
There is some uncertainty about the defensive tackle position heading into the upcoming season as the Illini lost three stalwarts of the line in Jamal Milan, Tymir Oliver and Kenyon Jackson. But we should be okay with Calvin Avery and Company stepping up in place of those three.
Illinois’ defensive end positions are building as well. We have plenty of experience returning this year, and the class of 2019 group that included Moses Okpala, Keith Randolph and Seth Coleman will all have another year under their belts as well. This Illini coaching staff knows that you can’t just rest on the talent you have on the roster right now, though. It is a constant game of recruiting and replacing. That is why snagging someone like Ja’Marian Peterson would be big for the program.
Peterson is a 6-foot-3.5, 238-pound strong-side defensive end from De La Salle High School and resides in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1193 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 75 strong-side defensive end in the nation. He is also ranked as the No. 37 player coming out of Louisiana.
Illinois noticed this kid, led by defensive end coach Jimmy Lindsay. The talent that Peterson possesses on the football field enabled him to receive a scholarship offer from the Illini back on July 2. Peterson had a chance to explain his feelings on the offer to the Writing Illini.
“I was just like, wow. I was really excited and pumped about it.”
As previously mentioned, Coach Lindsay is the main recruiter for Peterson. He has done a great job pulling in some solid defensive line talent. Coach Lindsay is laser-focused on landing a player like Peterson too.
“We talk almost every day. We talk about everything. It’s not just football with him.”
Recruiting is tough with everything going on in the world, but virtual visits are a way to work around the tough times in our country. Virtual visits have been utilized in the recruitment of Peterson as well.
“Yes sir, we have been on a few and they have all been great.”
The connection between Coach Lindsay and Peterson seems to be strong. But there is a long way to go to land this talented defensive end. What other teams are on his mind right now, though?
“I am open to everyone at the moment. I am just looking for the right fit for me athletically and academically.”
A decision isn’t coming anytime soon either.
“I am still in the process of that now, just weighing my options. Until then, my final decision will be on signing day.”
Top 5 targets left for the Illini in the class of 2021 2.0. dark. Next
With so many talented teams across the country wanting to add Peterson to their roster, it will be difficult for Illinois to land the southern pass rusher. But the foundation is being poured for the Illini to be in the running for Peterson when things are all said and done.