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Illinois Football: Top 5 priorities for the Illini class of 2022

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 02: The Illinois Fighting Illini helmet on the field after a win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 02: The Illinois Fighting Illini helmet on the field after a win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the field as players stretch before the start of the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2019; Champaign, IL, USA; An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the field as players stretch before the start of the game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Allio-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Isaiah Gordon – 3-Star – Running Back

Illinois has a long history of producing talented running backs. From Red Grange to Rashard Mendenhall and everyone in between, this program has a rich history of talented ball carriers.

I want to bring that back to Champaign. Isaiah Gordon could be the player to help restart the running back tradition. The 6-foot, 214-pound Florida native is someone Illinois should prioritize in 2022.

Since the full 247Sports recruiting rankings aren’t out yet, it is hard to see where Gordon ranks nationally. But the speedster does check-in as a three-star recruit who is the No. 31 running back in the class of 2022 and the No. 46 player in the state of Florida. Those rankings are pretty good.

Illinois’ backfield worries me a little bit right now, but the future is extremely bright. With Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown now moved on from the program, the starting job is at the hands of either Mike Epstein or Chase Brown in 2020.

But Illinois brought in Reggie Love from the class of 2020. Love should have a say in who touts the rock this season considering the kid was a top 500 player nationally and has explosive speed out of the backfield. Once Epstein departs the program, I fully expect Love to take over the starting job.

This scenario would enable Gordon to come into the Illinois program and not have to be forced into playing right away. But the addition of someone like Gordon is important. Depth is a concern at running back and Gordon would ease those worries.

Gordon could come in from day one and be a backup for the Illini. Snagging someone with that much talent and who can play early is important. That is why Gordon should be a priority for the Illinois coaching staff.

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