Illinois Football: Illini targeting in-state linebacker with recent offer

Illinois football is trying to bring the next great linebacker into the fold with an offer to in-state talent, Jimmy Rolder.

After the 2021 campaign, there is going to be some serious turnover with the Illini. One of the main players who will depart the program is Jake Hansen. His presence at linebacker will be missed, but replacing him should be a focus in the recruiting game. Someone like Rolder could be the answer.

Rolder is a 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker from Marist High School and resides in Chicago, Illinois. He isn’t rated or ranked by 247Sports, but his recruitment is starting to pick up with Minnesota joining Illinois and Ball State in offering the 2022 linebacker.

What does the Illinois football team see in Rolder?

Illinois came in with their offer to Rolder on October 9. Extending an offer means they see something special in his game. But what would Rolder bring to the Illini?

I will first start with Rolder’s size. At 6-foot-2, 220-pounds, he already has great size for a linebacker. His build is the framework for future success.

Rolder can lay a hit on the opposing offense. When he gets to the ball carrier, they are going to feel his presence. I also love his ability to make a form tackle. The kid has the fundamentals down.

Another great aspect of his game is his vision. Rolder can read the quarterback’s eyes well, and this allows him to jump in throwing lanes.

Obviously, there is some work to do with Rolder. I think his speed needs to increase a little bit. That will come with time, though. A college training program would do the trick.

When I watch Rolder play the game, he gives me defensive end vibes. But that is what Bret Bielema and Ryan Walters have done with the current Illinois defense. A lot of the previous defensive ends were flipped to linebacker. So, this would make sense.

Offers like the one to Rolder are what I like. Illinois needs depth and someone like Rolder could provide that for the team. Who knows, maybe he can even turn into a starter for the Illini in the first couple of years. Rolder is essentially a blank slate.