Review: Illinois Class of 2017

Here is my Class of 2017 in-state review of the Illinois Fighting Illini recruiting class. I'll release my annual Signing Class reviews of all State of Illinois FBS and FCS schools.

EDGY's Fighting Illini grade: B

The Fighting lllini Class of 2017 was a stark change from a year ago in a very positive way, especially from an in-state perspective. Illinois and head coach Lovie Smith signed 23 names to Letters of Intent yesterday with 9 of those signee's being in-state recruits. Besides the total number of in-state named being increased from 2 kids in 2016 to 9 in the 2017 class, this is also a much deeper and talented overall in-state class. Illinois added some very strong names and players who have a chance to at minimum bolster the Fighting Illini's overall roster depth in a big way.

Headliner Of The In-State Class?

Chicago Brother Rice four star ranked wide receiver Ricky Smalling (6-foot-1, 195 pounds) was a consensus All State player and Top 10 ranked name in the Class of 2017. Smalling, who pledged to Illinois over offers from the likes of Missouri, Wisconsin, Purdue and Indiana also committed to Illinois very early on (April 2016). Illinois was able to hold off several other schools while Smalling was also key in helping the Illini land several other in-state commits.

The One Who Got Away?

East St. Louis four star ranked wide receiver Jeff Thomas (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) was a nationally ranked recruit who signed on Wednesday to the University of Miami. Thomas had Illinois in his top schools list very late in the progress and at one stage listed Illinois as a leader. It seemed that once Thomas hit the national stage with an MVP performance at the Under Armour All American Bowl game, Illinois was suddenly out of the picture for Thomas.

In-State Sleeper of the Class:

Prospect two star ranked offensive tackle Alex Palczewski (6-foot-6, 270 pounds) missed his entire junior season due to injury and was very under the radar until Illinois offered Palczewski a scholarship offer back early December. Palczewski wound up drawing more late offers and Illinois held off both Vanderbilt and Syracuse to sign Palczewski on Wednesday. Palczewski has the frame and potential to add more weight and strength at the college level and also has a ton of upside.

So who can challenge for early playing time in Champaign?

The smart money will bet on Brother Rice wide receiver Ricky Smalling having the best odds of getting on the field in the fall. Smalling is already physically mature now to handle the college level physicality.

I also have a feeling that either Huntley defensive end Olalere Oladipo (6-foot-3, 240 pounds) or Peoria defensive tackle Kendrick Green (6-foot-3, 270 pounds) could find the field this coming fall. Both Oladipo and Green will continue to add more size and strength and if they arrive ready to go this summer both could wind up in a position rotation this coming season for Illinois.

I would also not count out the Illini's two in-state offensive linemen commitments. The Illinois offensive line was a spot that was a big need that was hopefully filled. Rockford Auburn Verderian Lowe (6-foot-5, 352 pounds) is the most college ready at least from an overall size/strength standpoint compared to Prospect's Alex Palczewski (6-foot-6, 270 pounds) at this early stage. Both could eventually wind up seeing early playing time.

Final Thoughts on the Fighting Illini's Recruiting Efforts:

Overall, this was a positive first step and first in-state signing class for the Fighting Illini under head coach Lovie Smith. Illinois landed a consensus Top 10 headliner in Ricky Smalling along with several very solid names that have a chance to battle form early playing time. Most importantly is that Smith and his staff found in-state coaches, players and parents very open and welcoming. Illinois can certainly build off of it's first in-state recruiting class success and continue to build up those relationships.

So how can Illinois take the next step and begin to land more in-state higher profile names? Winning and making positive progress on the field. Illinois has a lot to sell recruits but improving the product on the field is priority one. Game Day atmosphere also needs to become more of a selling point to recruits especially when compared to several rival Big Ten schools. A full or even a fuller Memorial Stadium could go a long way towards impressive potential recruits.

Next up: Northwestern Wildcats