Illinois football is always looking for defensive help, and that is why we continue to pursue big-time recruits.
Just in the past couple of days, the Illini got word that transfer portal departure, Tyler Strain, is withdrawing and coming back to Champaign. That decision gives the program more depth for the 2025 campaign.
While Bret Bielema is preparing the team for next season, he is also eyeing important players who could help the program in the future. One of the most recent options for the Illini is James Allen.
Extremely blessed to receive an offer from the University of Illinois!!!!@coachjstepp @AaronHenry7 @CoachCParker @Recruit2Illini @JWerner247 @IllinoisRivals @adamgorney @ChadSimmons_ @MarshallMcDuf14 @BayAreaLAB @Coach_B5 pic.twitter.com/93ujJNhEvy
— James Allen (@allenj2010) April 29, 2025
Allen is a 6-foot-2, 155-pound cornerback from Carrollwood Day High School in Florida. He isn’t rated or ranked just yet, as he is a member of the class of 2029. Despite not being ranked nationally, Allen already has double-digit scholarship offers with some of the bigger names being Louisville, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M, to name a few.
Aaron Henry has developed Illinois defensive backs, and he could mold James Allen into an All-Big Ten cornerback
Allen is a fun player to watch. He has a nice big frame, which is so valuable going up against big wide receivers. He can keep up with smaller and quicker wide receivers, too. This kid is the complete package and will only continue to get better as his high school years continue on.
Illinois has a history of being able to bring in and develop defensive backs since Aaron Henry joined Bielema’s coaching staff. He has been a huge part of the Illinois defense, and I think he can help Allen reach his athletic goals.
The number of defensive backs to reach the NFL under Henry’s tutelage has been impressive. Sydney Brown, Quan Martin, Devon Witherspoon, Tony Adams, and Kerby Joseph have all been productive NFL players. Allen could join this list if he buys into what Illinois is selling. I love this offer from the Orange and Blue.