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Illinois Football: Illini pegged as landing spot for 2022 recruiting target

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Khmari Thompson #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini Nike cleats are shown alongside his 'Black Lives Matter' message on his helmet before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 23-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Khmari Thompson #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini Nike cleats are shown alongside his 'Black Lives Matter' message on his helmet before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at SHI Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 23-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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Keeping solid depth on the offensive line is something that will help win games for the Illinois football team moving forward.

Illinois has some solid pieces on the line returning this season, but there will be some big-time talent leaving after the 2021 campaign. These departures will hurt the Illini depth. Bret Bielema and his coaching staff see this potential downfall in the near future, so they have been putting in some work in the recruiting game.

Back on March 20, the Illini ended up offering Clayton Leonard. He is a 6-foot-4, 265-pound offensive guard from Iroquois West High School and resides in Danforth, Illinois. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 78 guard in the nation.

Illinois’ connection with Leonard seemed to be so strong that just over a week after the offer, on March 29, Jeremy Werner of 247Sports felt comfortable enough to put in a Crystal Ball Prediction for the big man.

Leonard now has two predictions in with Werner being the most confident with a nine out of 10 confidence. With Leonard getting a nine, it almost seems like it is a matter of when and not if he commits to the Orange and Blue.

Where would Leonard fit in on the Illinois football roster?

Leonard definitely has the body for a guard at the next level. I love what this kid can do on the field as well. He has great quickness for an offensive lineman. He can pull well. His ability to seal out a linebacker or defensive lineman is solid.

I believe Leonard’s talents give him a great opportunity to play early for the Illini. Illinois has four starters leaving after this season, and behind them, there isn’t a ton of proven talent yet. Of course, this season will be about who can develop into a future starter, but as of right now, Leonard has a chance to come in and see snaps in year one.

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The most likely route for Leonard would be to redshirt in 2022. This will enable him to get stronger and even quicker. I see him getting snaps as a redshirt freshman. I honestly believe he has a chance of starting as a redshirt sophomore. I really like what this kid brings to the table.

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