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Illinois Football: Top 5 in-state recruits Illini should target for 2022

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 18, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema talks with quarterback Austin Allen (8) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs won the game 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema talks with quarterback Austin Allen (8) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs won the game 28-21. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Illinois football
Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; General view of the Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second quarter against California Golden Bears at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Danny McGuire

Illinois had one of the best offensive lines they have had in years this past season. Almost all of the offensive line from the 2020 campaign will be departing this year, though.

Bret Bielema and Company need to make sure they have some hogs upfront to help protect the quarterback and open holes for the running back. A great option would be Danny McGuire.

McGuire is a 6-foot-5, 270-pound offensive tackle from Marist High School and resides in Chicago, Illinois. He is rated as a three-star recruit, the No. 447 player in the class of 2022 and the No. 42 offensive tackle in the nation. He is also the No. 5 player in the state of Illinois.

Illinois is losing Vederian Lowe, Doug Kramer and Alex Palczewski heading into next year. That leaves Kendrick Green and Verdis Brown as the only two starters returning. Green might be departing if the NFL comes calling, though.

McGuire could come into the Illinois program and make an impact early on in his career. The Illini were the second team to offer McGuire a scholarship, but they were the first Big Ten program to do so. This early offer will help in the recruiting game.

Bielema has had some great offensive linemen come through his programs in the past. Joe Thomas went No. 3 overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Kraig Urbik went in the third round in 2009. Gabe Carimi went in the first round, John Moffitt went in the third round and Bill Nagy went in the seventh round in 2011. Kevin Zeitler went in the first round and Peter Konz went in the second round in 2012.

The proof that Bielema can send players to the NFL is there. He has done a great job developing all players, especially offensive linemen. Let’s go get the best offensive lineman from the state of Illinois in McGuire.

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