Illinois Football: 2022 QB Rashad Rochelle gets coveted Illini offer
By Collin Allen
The Illinois football program handed out an offer on Friday that had been a long time coming.
Class of 2022 quarterback Rashad Rochelle announced on Twitter Friday that he received an offer from the Fighting Illini.
Rochelle is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound quarterback who currently attends Springfield High School in Springfield, IL. The in-state prospect is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect in the state of Illinois and the No. 8 dual-threat quarterback in the nation.
Rochelle currently has eight other offers, notably from Purdue, Rutgers, Duke, and others. The local quarterback had a chance to speak with WCIA News in an interview shortly after receiving the offer.
"“My heart dropped, and i’m still shaking a little bit. I’m so excited, but like I said, this is everything I’ve been working for so I can expect big things.”"
Rochelle also explained how he watched the Illini when he was little in the interview.
While watching his film, many things stuck out to me about Rochelle’s game. He can stay calm and collected in the pocket when given time and protection. The Springfield quarterback has a great arm and can throw a beautiful deep ball. Rochelle can also thread the needle in tight coverage.
What stuck out to me the most was Rochelle’s ability to beat defenses with his speed. He possesses the ability to move the chains with his legs. Just when it looks like the defense is going to swarm him up for a sack, he is able to escape the pressure, expand the play, and either deliver a pass or run the ball for a decent gain.
If Rochelle drops back and sees green grass ahead of him, he will not hesitate to take off with the ball.
Next. My dream class of 2021 for the Illini. dark
With a commitment, the Illini would be getting the exact type of quarterback that fits offensive coordinator Rod Smith’s system. This type of quarterback is someone who can beat you with both his arm and his legs. With the remainder of his junior season and a full senior season ahead of him, he can only get better from here.