Head coach Bret Bielema and the Illinois football coaching staff are focusing on the future of the trenches, as they've secured an official visit from a highly-touted offensive lineman whose recruitment is heating up.
Allen Trieu of 247Sports posted on social media that three-star offensive tackle Darrin Strey has set an official visit to come see the Illini program. Strey is a 6-foot-7, 300-pound offensive tackle out of Paw Paw, Michigan, where he pretty much did it all for the Red Wolves.
Paw Paw (Mich.) OT Darrin Strey has set an official visit to Illinois for their spring game.
— Allen Trieu (@AllenTrieu) March 12, 2024
He visited in the winter also.
(VIP) https://t.co/FwrqXuy2gt pic.twitter.com/wNVWKRjMlx
Not only did Strey play on the offensive line for the Red Wolves, but he also lined up at defensive end, defensive tackle, and long snapper. According to a social media post of his, he flattened defenders nearly 100 times, recorded 64 tackles -12 of those being tackles for loss - and helped lead his team to 3,000 yards of total rushing during the regular season.
If you watch his tape, you will notice Strey's length and size allow him to set the edge on defenders on outside runs. You will also notice his frame and speed make him more than dangerous when he is pulling. Strey finishes through the play and will not stop until his defender is on the ground. These are all traits you look for in an offensive lineman.
On the defensive side of the ball, Strey has no issues bullying opposing offensive linemen and just absolutely exploding into the backfield to make a big play. He is just a viscous athlete all around.
Darrin Strey would add to an already building Illinois football class of 2025.
Strey currently has 26 offers. Along with the Illini, Kentucky, Baylor, Northwestern, Rutgers, Vanderbilt, Arkansas and Iowa State are among some of the other Power 5 programs to recently extend an offer.
The Illini currently have five players committed for the class of 2025, which ranks No. 31 in the country, according to 247sports. Three of those five are offensive linemen, headlined by three-star in-state guard Michael Mcdonough. Four-star athlete Andre Lovett headlines the entire class.