5. Zion Rucker
The final player on the list of recruits Illinois needs to add for the class of 2021 is on the defensive side of the ball. Stabilizing the defensive line is a huge priority for the coaching staff. The Illini lost a ton of talent at the defensive tackle position. Adding someone like Zion Rucker would help fill that void.
Rucker is a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive tackle from Smyrna High School and resides in Smyrna, Tennessee. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1682 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 93 defensive tackle in the nation. He is also the No. 40 player in the state of Tennessee.
While Rucker is a sub-1500 player, according to 247Sports, he still has a solid scholarship offer list. Teams like Vanderbilt and Kentucky have offered the kid, in addition to the Illini. This won’t be an easy snag for the Orange and Blue.
I like the fact Alfred Davis is the main recruiter for Rucker. Illinois was able to bring him onto the staff this past year, and he has done a great job bringing in players already. He should be able to make an impact on Rucker.
Illinois needs to build out the defensive tackle position. Rucker wouldn’t start right away, but he would give depth to a much-needed area. This would be a huge pick up for the program.