Illinois Football: Running back commit strengthens Illini in-state recruiting

It was an extremely busy Thursday for the Illinois football team as they attempt to build out the roster for 2022.

Before Thursday, the Illini had six commitments. A solid start to the 2022 class, but more commitments were sure to come. We didn’t have to wait too long before getting the next pledge, as Jordan Anderson decided to end his recruitment and commit to the Illini.

Anderson is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound running back from Joliet Catholic Academy and resides in Joliet, Illinois. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1063 player in the class of 2022. He is also the No. 75 running back in the nation and the No. 20 player coming out of the state of Illinois.

This was a great pick-up for the Illini, as Anderson has solid offers right now and was gaining recruiting momentum with even more programs. But Illinois was able to swoop in and secure the in-state star.

What does Anderson’s commitment mean for Illinois football?

Illinois is getting a bruiser in Anderson. At 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, he is going to be able to hold his own at the next level. He isn’t easy to bring down. Even when a defender gets to Anderson, he has the ability to make the defensive player bounce off. That is a great attribute to have coming into the Illini program.

I love the addition of Anderson for the Illinois roster as well. He will come into the program in 2022, and then I see him redshirting in year one. That means Anderson will be a redshirt freshman in 2023. Chase Hayden and Mike Epstein will both depart by that time. Chase Brown and Jakari Norwood will both be seniors. Reggie Love would be a junior.

By Anderson’s sophomore season, I see him being the primary backup to Love and getting his fair share of carries in the backfield. By his junior year, Anderson should be the starting running back and busting tackles for the Bret Bielema.

Illinois’ depth at running back isn’t terrible right now. Getting Anderson to come aboard will help this program in a few years. He is going to be a primetime contributor for the Orange and Blue.