Illinois Football: Illini offense would get a boost from WR Reggie Fleurima
By Zain Bando
Bret Bielema’s recruiting spree is already in full gear, as the Illinois football program re-offered Reggie Fleurima from the 2022 class.
When new Illini head football coach, Bret Bielema, emphasized that he would target in-state recruiting during his introductory press conference in mid-December, he literally meant it.
From day one, the ex-Arkansas head coach has nailed one of his top offseason priorities. In his continuation of the program’s rebuild, he and his new coaching staff re-offered wide receiver Reggie Fleurima, who is part of the 2022 class.
Fleurima attends Naperville Central High School in Naperville, Illinois, and is listed as a four-star recruit and the No. 4 player in Illinois from his age group.
https://twitter.com/regfleu/status/1346610643806408704?s=21
Fleurima is one of the most highly-touted recruits in the Midwest, as he has received looks from a plethora of other programs. Outside of Illinois, the Redhawks wide receiver has interest from Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, and Cincinnati, to name a few. He currently has 13 offers and has yet to indicate a Crystal Ball projection.
Unfortunately for Fleurima and hundreds of other athletes in Illinois, the football season has been moved to the spring in conjunction with the global pandemic. However, it is unclear if that timetable will remain in place to conduct spring football in a safe manner.
Fleurima’s head coach, Mike Stine, has high expectations for the young prospect. In an April 2020 interview with Irish Sports Daily, Stine gave a glimpse as to what Fleurima could bring to a collegiate program. Now a junior, his growth remains to be seen.
"“Reggie is a freak,” Stine said. “He can step into Division-I locker room right now. He’s a high school sophomore, but he could step in and physically fit. He’s 6-foot-2.5, 6-foot-3. He’s 205 and he’s chiseled. He’s a physical specimen.”"
What would Reggie Fleurima bring to Champaign?
Fleurima was a top target for the Redhawks as a sophomore, despite the team missing out on the postseason at 4-5 in 2019. His highlight tape, which can be viewed below, showcases his true potential, as nearly every play is a highlight-reel catch or a draw-dropping touchdown.
With his size and athleticism, Fleurima has an opportunity to become a nightmare for opposing corners and defensive backs.
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If the Illini can win out, the offensive firepower will get an instant upgrade for years to come.