Illinois Football: Illini offer 2022 offensive lineman Valen Erickson

The Illinois football program continues its in-state recruiting push, offering St. Rita offensive linemen, Valen Erickson, from the class of 2022.

The in-state model is continuing to become a common feat for the Illini during a busy recruiting month of June. Illinois recently offered 2022 St. Rita offensive lineman, Valen Erickson, on June 8.

Erickson took to Twitter to drop the news, as he is currently rated as a three-star recruit and has interest from Nebraska, Tennesse, East Carolina, and Cincinnati, to name a few. Erickson is currently the No. 22 player in the state of Illinois and comes in as the No. 120 offensive tackle in the nation. His Crystal Ball projection has him leaning towards Nebraska, though things could change.

“Extremely excited to receive an offer from the University of Illinois,” Erickson wrote in the offer Twitter post back on June 8.

What would Valen Erickson bring to the Illinois football team?

Erickson checks in at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, and competes for a program that has a rich history of state championships and playoff appearances year after year.

Despite a shortened season that saw high school football pushed to the spring, the Mustangs continued their dominance in the East Suburban Catholic Conference/Chicago Catholic League – Green division, finishing 2-1 in league play and 5-1 overall. Notable wins included a 51-13 drubbing of long-time state powerhouse Montini Catholic, and a 34-20 win against Benet Academy.

The 2021 spring s season was essentially a continuation of the season before, as the 2019-20 team finished 10-4 and made a state championship appearance.

Check out Erickson’s Hudl highlights below, as he is quickly becoming one of the state’s hottest young prospects.

Let’s see if the Illini can get Erickson to flip his projection with his hometown presence and winning pedigree within the city of Chicago. An offensive line boost would be a great addition for a rising program, and Erickson fits that description well.