Illinois Football: Catching up with in-state wide receiver Jack Tremblay

While the class of 2021 is still finishing up, the Illinois football coaching staff is trying to start the class of 2022.

With a total of zero recruits committed thus far, the Illini are trying to build relationships with players who could help this team win games in the future. One player to keep an eye on is Jack Tremblay.

Tremblay, a 6-foot, 202-pound wide receiver out of Lincoln-Way East High School, has started picking up recruiting attention over the past year. While the scholarships haven’t started flowing it, that flood gate is about to burst.

The Writing Illini had a chance to chat with Tremblay to see how everything is going with him and his recruitment.

“Things are going great. My recruiting is really doing well right now, and even though football is not being played, I am going to showcase and work out as much as I can. My team, on the other hand, we are practicing every other day.”

Trembley is putting in the blood, sweat and tears to get to the next level, and this is what coaches like to see. One coach who would likely appreciate that is Lovie Smith. The connection has started between the talented wide receiver and the Illini.

“It’s been pretty good. I have gotten in contact with the Illinois director of high school relations.”

The foundation is starting to get laid between Illinois and Trembley, but there are programs that have started this process earlier than the Illini. Trembley did explain to the Writing Illini that he has talked with mostly all of the MAC schools so far.

At the end of the recruiting process, Trembley will end up picking a program. But who is the best suitor? What is the state of Illinois product looking for in a team?

“Most importantly, a school where I can academically fit in as well as athletically and socially. I also want to play early.

Trembley doesn’t just have a narrow scope on the position he wants to play either.

“I am willing to play anywhere on the field.”

Big-time college programs have started to look at Trembley and what he can bring to their team. You can view his Hudl highlights as well, they will blow you away. Trembley also let the Writing Illini know what he can bring to a team.

“Great top-end speed, great hands, and a pretty physical player all-around.”

With every great athlete, there are things they want to improve. Trembley is no exception.

“Probably my change of direction, and I can always improve route running.”

From the sound of things, Illinois will likely continue pursuing Trembley because of what he can bring to the team on and off the field. He is a high-character player who would represent the program well.

What should fans know about the playmaking wide receiver, though?

“I am a really hard-working student-athlete who is willing to give 100-percent to any program I attend.”

A kid who has a strong focus on academics and can still produce on the football field is someone I want to come to Champaign. Trembley seems like the complete package. Don’t be shocked if his recruitment blows up in the coming months.