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Illinois Football: 5-star running back showing interest from Illini

By Zain Bando

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
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 /
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The Illinois football team keeps steadily working through the recruiting pipeline, as they offered five-star Florida running back Richard Young.

As spring turns to summer, Illinois continues to work through the first recruiting cycle under new head coach Bret Bielema. Bielema has kept the Southern region a priority, as the program offered the five-star Florida running back in Young.

Young currently attends LeHigh Senior High School and is an Under Armour All-American.  He is ranked as the No. 18 player for his age group in the class of 2023, and sports a 6-foot, 190-pound frame at the position.


The Orange and Blue offered Young on May 11, as he took to Twitter to make the news official. In addition to the Illini, the junior running back has looks from Alabama, Ohio State, Florida, Georgia, and LSU, to name a few. Young has totaled 35 offers thus far, as the list continues to grow exponentially.

As for Young’s team, the Lightning finished .500 during the 2020 fall season. Despite the ups and downs, the squad was able to put together some quality wins in its quest for a playoff berth. Victories included a 47-7 opening day rout of Island Coast, along with two shutouts against Riverdale and East Lee County, 40-0 and 44-0, respectively.

After winning its first playoff game against  Sarasota 42-21, the season would come to an abrupt end against St. Thomas Aquinas, 50-14. A playoff appearance and a 3-1 home record could mean a sign of things to come in the years ahead.

What would a commitment mean to the Illinois football team?

To put it simply, landing Young would arguably be the biggest signing of the Bielema era to date. With dozens of schools interested, it’s great to see that Illinois already has such a talented athlete on its radar.

Young’s biggest strength is his speed. He is hard to bring down and always finds that extra edge to turn on the afterburners, causing a nightmare for any defensive front.

Check out Young’s Hudl highlights above, as the video has hit the 10,000 views mark at press time.

Next. Top transfer big man includes Illini in top 6. dark

Young’s recruiting spree is one to keep an eye on as he gets more varsity experience.

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