Illinois Football: Illini targeting dominant 2024 defensive lineman

Now that the regular season has concluded, the Illinois football coaching staff is starting to do even more work on the recruiting trail.

The Illini class of 2023 is looking strong, as they currently have 19 commitments and a ranking of No. 47 in the nation. Even with a little more work left for that class, the Illinois coaches have also been focusing on building out the 2024 class.

Back on November 22, the Illini landed their first commitment for the class of 2024. Brandon Hansen, an in-state offensive tackle, decided to make the pledge. He is a top 700 monster who will make a huge difference on the front lines.

On Tuesday, Illinois was looking to make some more headway on the other side of the ball with an offer to Kellen Lindstrom.

Lindstrom is a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defensive lineman from Glendale High School in Missouri. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 69 defensive lineman in the class of 2024. He is also the No. 16 player coming out of Missouri.

Illinois football is one of the early teams to offer Kellen Lindstrom a scholarship.

Getting in early on talented football players is a good move. Illinois needs time to build solid relationships with these recruits, so offering Lindstrom seems like a wise decision.

Illinois isn’t Lindstrom’s first offer, though. He also has offers from Iowa and Wisconsin. In the coming weeks and months, look for his recruitment to really explode.

Lindstrom has everything you want in a defensive lineman. His ability to quickly get off the line is exciting. He has defensive end written all over him. The first step for Lindstrom is so dangerous. He also has a ton of power.

At 6-foot-6, Lindstrom is going to be a monster at the next level. There is no doubt he is going to have nearly every program after him by the middle of 2023.

When I watch Lindstrom play the game, he reminds me of Robert Quinn. The explosion off the ball and physical gifts are impressive. He has such a bright future, and I hope that future is with the Orange and Blue.