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Illinois football offensive line transfer portal wish list 1.0

By Rees Woodcock

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 26: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JULY 26: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet is seen at Big Ten football media days at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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MTSU’s offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) comes off the line during MTSU’s football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023.
MTSU’s offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) comes off the line during MTSU’s football practice on Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023. /

player. 2370. . OG. Blue Raiders. Keylan Rutledge. 4

Illinois could dip into the non-power five programs and snag a talented guard who could help the program. A big guard on my wish list is Keylan Rutledge.

Rutledge was a three-star recruit who was the No. 1692 player coming out of the class of 2022. He didn’t have a ton of recruiting attention, so Rutledge picked Middle Tennessee State.

In 2022, Rutledge started in six games, and he started in 11 games in 2023. That is 17 starts in two seasons, which is a ton of experience.

I love the pass-blocking ability of Rutledge as well. He has a pass-blocking grade of 82.3, which ranked No. 59 out of all the guards in the country. That is what I want out of my guard.

Give me a player like Rutledge on the Illinois offensive line. He is someone who isn’t just coming in for depth. I could see him competing and snagging the starting job from day one.

Rutledge has the talent and experience I am looking for on the offensive line. If Illinois can get in the mix for him, that would be optimal. I would be curious to see if we pursue this kid in the transfer portal.

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