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Illinois Football: 5 Alabama players to target if they enter the transfer portal

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema reacts to
Nov 11, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema reacts to / Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
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2. Miles McVay

  • Position: OL
  • Year: R-Freshman
  • Hometown: East St. Louis, Illinois

The offensive line for the Illini was a sticking point in 2023. We had a hard time blocking anyone, and that is one of the reasons we struggled on offense.

Bret Bielema has done a good job landing some talented offensive linemen to help quarterback Luke Altmyer. But if someone like Miles McVay becomes available, it would be nice to add him to the roster as well.

McVay is a superstar offensive lineman from East St. Louis High School in Illinois. He was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 196 player in the class of 2023. He was also the No. 16 offensive tackle in the country and the No. 3 player coming out of Illinois.

At one time, the Illini were in the running for McVay, but he would ultimately pick Alabama as his landing spot. The 6-foot-6, 358-pound offensive tackle played in three games in 2023 and saw 28 snaps. He had a good Pro Football Focus grade of 72.4 in his limited snaps as well.

The fact McVay is from the state of Illinois and had an interest in the program originally intrigues me. Bret Bielema is bringing in two offensive linemen in Kevin Wigenton and JC Davis, both of whom I believe will start from day one. We also landed Andrew Dennis, a four-star offensive guard.

Those three linemen will join center Josh Kreutz on the offensive line. Adding McVay would not only solidify the front five for the Orange and Blue, but I think he would make it one of the strongest units in the Big Ten. If McVay were to enter the transfer portal, he should be a top option for the Illini.

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