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Illinois Football: Top 10 most overlooked Illini recruits

By Rees Woodcock

Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Sydney Brown (30) reacts to a penalty call during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2019; Santa Clara, California, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Sydney Brown (30) reacts to a penalty call during the third quarter against the California Golden Bears at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) tackles Chattanooga Mocs quarterback Preston Hutchinson (9) as he passes the ball during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) tackles Chattanooga Mocs quarterback Preston Hutchinson (9) as he passes the ball during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 10 Gabe Jacas – #1254

  • Freshman All-American
  • All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (FR)
  • 36 tackles, 4 sacks in 1 season

One wouldn’t expect a player who is ranked No. 1254 in the class of 2022 to make a huge impact in year one. Usually, when players are ranked sub-1000, they are future stash and development type of recruits.

Jacas came out of the gates like a bull and tore down the Big Ten. He finished his freshman season with 36 tackles and four sacks. His dominance on the field earned Jacas All-Big Ten honorable mention honors, and he was named to the Freshman All-American team.

The future is extremely bright for Jacas. He was one of the best players on a great Illinois defense, and the crazy part is the fact he is only a freshman. Being ranked No. 1254 and doing what he did in year one is impressive.

No. 9 Bobby Roundtree – #1335

  • Big Ten All-Freshman Team
  • All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (SO)
  • 116 tackles, 10 pass deflections, 11.5 sacks in 2 seasons

In July 2021, the football world lost a true legend in Bobby Roundtree. He isn’t with us anymore in person, but his spirit and the legacy he left behind will never be forgotten.

Despite only being ranked as the No. 1335 player in the class of 2018, Roundtree was great for the Illini from the start. During his two seasons playing for the program, Roundtree would amass 116 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and 10 pass deflections. This included his sophomore year where he had 7.5 sacks.

The tremendous play on the field earned Roundtree Big Ten All-Freshman team honors and All-Big Ten honorable mention honors as a sophomore. This kid was so good on the field. He hadn’t even grown into his body yet either. Roundtree will always have a special place in Illini fans’ hearts.

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