Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: 2022 tight end picks Illini as landing spot

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet lies on the turf against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter 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: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet lies on the turf against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter at SHI Stadium on November 14, 2020 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Illinois defeated Rutgers 23-20. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind for Illinois football fans when it comes to recruiting.

Illinois’ new coaching staff, led by Bret Bielema, has done a great job on the recruiting front not even six months into the job. Five players have already pledged for 2022, giving the Illini the No. 37 class in the nation and the No. 8 ranked Big Ten class so far in the early recruiting cycle.

Those numbers are about to change, though. In mid-March, Illinois came in with an offer to tight end Owen Anderson. Just yesterday, that offer turned into five different 247Sports “experts” putting in a Crystal Ball prediction that Anderson would pick the Illini. And now, a day later, Anderson has made it official and has committed to the Orange and Blue.


Via his Twitter page, Anderson announced his commitment to Illinois. This is a great get for the Illini, as Anderson brings a lot of talent to the table. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1107 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 66 tight end in the nation and the No. 30 player coming out of New Jersey.

What does Anderson’s commitment mean for Illinois football?

You can’t understate how important each and every commitment is for the Illini right now. While I think Lovie Smith is a good coach, he failed miserably at the recruiting game. This left Illinois’ roster extremely thin and lacking any depth whatsoever.

Having Anderson come aboard is big for the program. The tight end position is actually okay right now, but it will get thin in the next couple of years. Luke Ford and Daniel Barker will both be departing either after this season or next. That means Illinois will have little to no experience at the position.

Anderson could step up and see snaps in year one, thanks to the lack of depth left behind by the previous staff. I wouldn’t be shocked to see more tight end talent added to the class of 2022 either. Illinois needs more bodies on the roster.

Next. Illini eyeing DIII transfer three-point specialist. dark

Depth is crucial to be competitive, and that is what Bielema is working on right now. Each commitment is extremely important. Anderson will be a big piece of this program for years to come.

Home/Illinois Football