Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: Top 5 class of 2022 offensive targets for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 24, 2018; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2018; Evanston, IL, USA; A detailed view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Illinois football
Sep 15, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet on the field prior to the game between the South Florida Bulls and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Dallan Hayden – Running Back – Memphis, Tennessee

The hiring of Bret Bielema opens up different avenues for recruiting. He has connections in places that the previous regime didn’t have because of his extensive college experience.

Bielema snagged running back Chase Hayden when he was with Arkansas. He has now landed Chase again, as he transferred into the Illinois program. Illini fans should probably keep an eye out for Chase’s brother, Dallan, who is entering the college ranks next year.

Dallan Hayden is a 5-foot-11, 195-pound running back from Christian Brothers High School and resides in Memphis, Tennessee. He is rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 252 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 25 running back in the nation and the No. 8 player in the state of Tennessee.

Normally, I wouldn’t have put Hayden on this list because Illinois didn’t offer him and there were zero connections to the kid just a month ago. But that has all changed.

Bielema was hired and brought in Chase, so that connection is already there. There is a chance for Dallan to play with his brother for a season or two. Just two days ago, Illinois then came in with an offer to Hayden. He also tweeted out that day the graphic that the Illini sent him.

I love that Bielema has a strong connection with the Hayden family. This makes us a wildcard in the recruitment of Dallan. But there are some hurdles to climb. Back on January 1, Hayden announced his top four and included Oregon, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Tennessee. I am not sure how solid this final four is now, though.

Tennessee just fired their head coach and are under investigation. Notre Dame was put on probation, Hayden might want to stay away from that. Who knows if this is still his top four? The cracks seem to be there for Illinois to sneak in and make some recruiting waves.

Home/Illinois Basketball Recruiting