Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini win over Minnesota

4. How in the world was Gabe Jacas not a 4-star

The first recruiting class in the Bret Bielema era was solid. The 2022 class came in as the No. 47 group in the nation, which was a massive upgrade from years prior.

Among this group, there were seven freshmen ranked inside the top 1000. I usually look at the top 1000 as the players who could make the quickest impact on the team. The players sub-1000 are usually more developmental players who take a year or two to make the same impact.

Illinois outside linebacker Gabe Jacas was a part of that class of 2022, but he wasn’t one of those top 1000 players. In fact, he was just a three-star recruit who was ranked as the No. 1254 player in the nation.

With what I have watched this season, I am blown away by the fact that Jacas wasn’t a top 1000 recruit. This kid isn’t just the best freshman Illinois snagged from the class of 2022, he is one of the best defensive players on one of the best defenses in the country.

Jacas had another tremendous game against Minnesota on Saturday. He would finish the game with six tackles, one sack, and one tackle for loss. His six tackles led the entire team, as a freshman.

Through seven games this season, Jacas has 22 tackles, four tackles for loss, and four sacks. His four sacks lead the entire team, as a freshman.

Coming into the game against Minnesota, Pro Football Focus College gave Jacas the highest grade for a true freshman on defense in the entire nation at 80.5.

I love everything Jacas brings to the Illinois defense. His speed is incredible. He has the strength of an NFL defensive end. No offensive lineman can stop him. Jacas will be a first-round NFL Draft pick in the near future. But, for now, let’s enjoy what we are watching.