Illinois Football: Illini snag official visit from versatile defensive lineman

Illinois football is really focusing on the defensive line when it comes to the class of 2024.

The Illini should have a solid defensive front this upcoming season. We will be led by players like Keith Randolph Jr. and Johnny Newton, two players who should be in line for All-Big Ten honors.

Developing the defensive line is important for the program’s future. I would venture to say that both Randolph and Newton will depart for the NFL after their junior year. So, for 2024, Illinois is going to need more depth on the defensive line. That is why having interest from a player like Demetrius John is exciting.

On Tuesday, John took to social media to announce that he has scheduled an official visit to Illinois. He will be traveling to Champaign on June 9-11.

Demetrius John would give the Illinois football team more flexibility on defense

John would be a great addition to the Illinois roster in 2024. He is a 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman out of Dublin Coffman High School in Ohio. He is rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 624 player in the class of 2024. John is also the No. 65 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 21 player coming out of Ohio.

There were some big changes to the Illinois football program when Bret Bielema took the reins. He has now brought in multiple defensive coordinators, and the Illini play a solid 3-4 defense. Playing this type of defense made the Illini move some of the traditional defensive ends to outside linebackers.

I think this is what could happen with John. He is listed as a defensive lineman, but I think he has the size and quickness to be an outside linebacker. Seeing him enter the Illinois program in this role wouldn’t shock me.

Illinois needs more outside linebacker talent as well. There isn’t a ton of depth at this position. Gabe Jacas is a superstar, but he will probably only be here two more years and then head to the NFL. Seth Coleman is really good at his job, but he is a junior and with the way Bielema is sending players to the next level, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him depart for the NFL after the 2023 campaign.

Snagging an official visit from John is big for the Illini. He would be a great option for the Illinois defense. I love the potential flexibility that John would give the program as well. Hopefully, we can secure a commitment.