Illinois Football: Highly graded transfer portal offensive tackle picks Illini

Illinois football continues to hit the upgrade button when it comes to the offensive line.

Wednesday is a big day for all programs, as the early National Signing Day is starting to come to a close. The Illini have secured 19 freshmen commitments, and they have all signed on to play for Bret Bielema in 2024.

Illinois had two transfers to add to those 19 freshmen as well. Anthony Johnson and Enyce Sledge both transferred into the Illinois program and will play on the defensive line. Well, you can now add another transfer to the mix.

On Wednesday afternoon JC Davis took to social media to announce that he is transferring to Illinois. Davis is a 6-foot-5, 295-pound offensive tackle from California. He went the junior college route coming out of high school and then transferred into the New Mexico program in 2022.

Transfer portal offensive tackle JC Davis has a chance to make a big impact on the Illinois football offensive line

Davis had a pretty good career with the Lobos. He started every game for New Mexico in 2022, and he finished as an All-Mountain West honorable mention player. This past season, Davis hit the mountain top, as he started in every game for New Mexico and finished the season making the first-team All-Mountain West.

On top of Davis earning all-conference honors, he was graded as one of the best offensive tackles in the country in 2023. Pro Football Focus has Davis with a grade of 78.5, which ranks No. 27 out of 626 offensive tackles in college football.

I believe Davis has one year of eligibility left. The fact Illinois was able to secure his commitment is massive for the program.

Davis was one of the best, if not the best, offensive tackles available in the transfer portal. He graded out as one of the best offensive tackles in the county, and now the Illini are getting him to bolster the offensive line.

I see Davis coming in and easily securing an offensive tackle starting job. I have him starting at tackle with, potentially, someone like Hunter Whitenack, Dezmond Schuster or Brandon Henderson at the other tackle position. I then see Josh Kreutz starting at center with Zy Crisler and AJ Dennis as our starting guards.

Illinois received a huge commitment in JC Davis. Bielema knew we needed help in the trenches, and he has answered the call. This was a massive addition for the Illinois football team.