Illinois Football: Top 2024 in-state cornerback visiting Illini this weekend

It looks like the Illinois football team is very much in play for one of the top in-state recruits for the class of 2024.

While the class of 2023 finished on a strong note – ranking No. 43 in the nation – the 2024 class has yet to get off the ground for the Illini. We have one commitment thus far, and that is offensive lineman Brandon Hansen. He is a solid three-star tackle who gives us more depth in the trenches.

Obviously, Illinois needs to continue building on this class. There is a possibility we could eventually add on a talented in-state recruit, Austin Alexander.

On Thursday, Allen Trieu reported that Alexander was going to be taking a visit to Champaign this weekend. This is an important visit considering the talent this kid brings to the table.

Austin Alexander would continue to build out the Illinois football secondary

Alexander is an impressive player. He is a 6-foot-1, 165-pound, cornerback coming out of Marian Catholic High School in Illinois. Alexander is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 443 player in the class of 2024. He is also the No. 43 cornerback in the country and the No. 10 player coming out of Illinois.

Illinois just started to get involved in the Alexander sweepstakes just months ago. Back in October 2022, Alexander was offered by Wisconsin, and then a few weeks later, he pledged his commitment to the Badgers.

Since that commitment, Wisconsin had a complete coaching overhaul. In January 2023, Alexander decided to back away from his commitment to the Badgers and reopened his recruitment. Illinois pounced on this opportunity and offered the talented cornerback in February.

It looks like there are multiple teams that are involved in Alexander’s recruitment. While there has been a myriad of programs offer him since he reopened his recruitment, he has also visited a few teams. The Illini are getting a visit this weekend. He has also visited Purdue, Iowa, and Michigan.

Illinois is, at least, in the mix. If Alexander were to pick the Illini, he would join a defensive back unit that has more young potential than I can ever remember. Zach Tobe, Tyson Rooks, and Elijah Mc-Cantos all should contribute a ton of snaps this season, and they are all either true or redshirt freshmen.

Matthew Bailey, Miles Scott, Xavier Scott, Prince Green, Tyler Strain, Kaleb Patterson, Matthew Bobak, and Kionte Curry will also play snaps in the secondary, and they are all sophomores.

Bret Bielema and his coaching staff just sent multiple players from the secondary to the NFL Draft. We have a stockpile of talent behind those departing players, though. Alexander would be a part of this great unit. If you want a chance to play early, develop as a player, and make it to the NFL, there is no better option than Illinois.