Recruiting Thread

[danman31]

Don't get mad at me for hating on U of I because this thread is a U of I lovefest, but...what a dumbass Benn is. He's going to a s***ty football school that's not a regional pick for him or anything. On top of that he can watch Zook blow multiple games from the sidelines while his talent goes undeveloped. Then again, I guess when the team on the field doesn't win anything the fans have to root for recruiting victories.

[IlliniKrush]

As if Maryland is a football powerhouse with more tradition.

[He_Gawn]

Yea but at least they've been to a few bowls within the past century.

[Jimbo's Drinker]

Yea but at least they've been to a few bowls within the past century.

 

 

 

HAHA

 

I love these kool aid tasting illini fans.

[CanOfCorn]

Don't get mad at me for hating on U of I because this thread is a U of I lovefest, but...what a dumbass Benn is. He's going to a s***ty football school that's not a regional pick for him or anything. On top of that he can watch Zook blow multiple games from the sidelines while his talent goes undeveloped. Then again, I guess when the team on the field doesn't win anything the fans have to root for recruiting victories.

 

If all players thought like that, then you'd have a depth chart of 8 5-star players on certain teams. NOw, you and I, who couldn't play our way out of a paper bag and have to watch and envy these 18 year olds, can EASILY say, oh, I'd rather win. But, I think what's on the top of mind with a lot of these guys is, "Oh, I'd rather PLAY!" You can't showcase your talent from the bench. And if ESPN is any indication, all it takes is one energetic player to be on TV.

 

Why do you think the Illini have been on ESPN and ESPN2 as much as they have this year? To see John Stocco and the Badgers? To see JoePa (ok, maybe to see JoePa.). No, it's because of Juice. And it's because they are IN games this year. They are exciting and are only going to get better.

 

Bottom line, Benn wants to play, he wants to go to a team, where when the get better, he is seen as a catalyst. I see nothing wrong with that.

[Jimbo's Drinker]

If all players thought like that, then you'd have a depth chart of 8 5-star players on certain teams. NOw, you and I, who couldn't play our way out of a paper bag and have to watch and envy these 18 year olds, can EASILY say, oh, I'd rather win. But, I think what's on the top of mind with a lot of these guys is, "Oh, I'd rather PLAY!" You can't showcase your talent from the bench. And if ESPN is any indication, all it takes is one energetic player to be on TV.

 

Why do you think the Illini have been on ESPN and ESPN2 as much as they have this year? To see John Stocco and the Badgers? To see JoePa (ok, maybe to see JoePa.). No, it's because of Juice. And it's because they are IN games this year. They are exciting and are only going to get better.

 

Bottom line, Benn wants to play, he wants to go to a team, where when the get better, he is seen as a catalyst. I see nothing wrong with that.

 

Wrong again, ESPN has a kickass contract with the Big 10, you see all teams. Trust Bristol could care less about Juice or Hi-C or Tang.

[thedoctor]

Marvin Austin is close with Locks and knows Benn, so he could be coming as well.

 

i don't think he'll come either, but it was encouraging to read that he was in attendance at benn's signing party last night.

 

also, let me apologize to fotop for my comments last night. i was a little drinky, and reading them today it's clear i was posting like a douche. my bad.

 

anyhow, i can understand some of the questions of why benn would choose illinois. from an outsider's perspective it makes no sense. but if you follow illinois football and watch the team, it's clear they are getting better. this team was way, way down, but it is coming back. two years ago we got killed every time out and the same last year.

 

this year? not so much. yes the record is bad, but any time you start a true freshman at qb, you'll have problems. but if you watched games last year and watched them this year, the progression is clear. that, combined with the overwhelming youth on the roster gives you a little optimism.

 

plus, i do think juice played a huge role in this. he's a pretty dynamic guy and a natural leader. he's the kind of player people gravitate to. and although he's struggled at times this year, he's also shown flashes that suggest he is going to be a major stud. there's a reason programs like ohio state and texas were after him. juice slotted at qb for the next few seasons is a good thing. and i think when you look at benn's finalists, it could be argued that by choosing illinois he selected the school that will have the best qb situation next year.

[Jimbo's Drinker]

i don't think he'll come either, but it was encouraging to read that he was in attendance at benn's signing party last night.

 

also, let me apologize to fotop for my comments last night. i was a little drinky, and reading them today it's clear i was posting like a douche. my bad.

 

anyhow, i can understand some of the questions of why benn would choose illinois. from an outsider's perspective it makes no sense. but if you follow illinois football and watch the team, it's clear they are getting better. this team was way, way down, but it is coming back. two years ago we got killed every time out and the same last year.

 

this year? not so much. yes the record is bad, but any time you start a true freshman at qb, you'll have problems. but if you watched games last year and watched them this year, the progression is clear. that, combined with the overwhelming youth on the roster gives you a little optimism.

 

plus, i do think juice played a huge role in this. he's a pretty dynamic guy and a natural leader. he's the kind of player people gravitate to. and although he's struggled at times this year, he's also shown flashes that suggest he is going to be a major stud. there's a reason programs like ohio state and texas were after him. juice slotted at qb for the next few seasons is a good thing. and i think when you look at benn's finalists, it could be argued that by choosing illinois he selected the school that will have the best qb situation next year.

 

 

No reason to apologize, its a message board, they wont hurt you.....at least i dont think

[thedoctor]

No reason to apologize, its a message board, they wont hurt you.....at least i dont think

 

well, i don't like sounding like a big douchebag. which i did.

[Fotop]

i don't think he'll come either, but it was encouraging to read that he was in attendance at benn's signing party last night.

 

also, let me apologize to fotop for my comments last night. i was a little drinky, and reading them today it's clear i was posting like a douche. my bad.

 

anyhow, i can understand some of the questions of why benn would choose illinois. from an outsider's perspective it makes no sense. but if you follow illinois football and watch the team, it's clear they are getting better. this team was way, way down, but it is coming back. two years ago we got killed every time out and the same last year.

 

this year? not so much. yes the record is bad, but any time you start a true freshman at qb, you'll have problems. but if you watched games last year and watched them this year, the progression is clear. that, combined with the overwhelming youth on the roster gives you a little optimism.

 

plus, i do think juice played a huge role in this. he's a pretty dynamic guy and a natural leader. he's the kind of player people gravitate to. and although he's struggled at times this year, he's also shown flashes that suggest he is going to be a major stud. there's a reason programs like ohio state and texas were after him. juice slotted at qb for the next few seasons is a good thing. and i think when you look at benn's finalists, it could be argued that by choosing illinois he selected the school that will have the best qb situation next year.

 

No big deal, doc. I didn't take offense, but thanks for being mindful. Apology accepted.

 

And I agree, it probably was the best qb situation for benn; ND is going to have a war in the spring for our starting job, FSU is an offensive mess, Maryland still has Hollenbach(?) and he's nothing special. And from an ND perspective it's nice that benn is going to a school that won't effect us. Plus with the Little verbal yesterday, it makes the loss of benn managable (now if we could only get some darn DEFENSIVE recruits!).

 

About Illinois in general, I understand momentum has shifted, I outlined that earlier and said they were on the rise. If I were a fan of UofI, I'd certainly be happy right now, but at the same time cautiously optimistic. Zook's track record as a game coach is highly suspect, and nothing about his coaching this year makes me think he's going to be outcoaching anyone in the near future. That's why I've emphasized the "wait and see" approach. But hey, you need to players first before you can compete, right? They're getting that part down, the rest remains to be seen.

[danman31]

If all players thought like that, then you'd have a depth chart of 8 5-star players on certain teams. NOw, you and I, who couldn't play our way out of a paper bag and have to watch and envy these 18 year olds, can EASILY say, oh, I'd rather win. But, I think what's on the top of mind with a lot of these guys is, "Oh, I'd rather PLAY!" You can't showcase your talent from the bench. And if ESPN is any indication, all it takes is one energetic player to be on TV.

 

Why do you think the Illini have been on ESPN and ESPN2 as much as they have this year? To see John Stocco and the Badgers? To see JoePa (ok, maybe to see JoePa.). No, it's because of Juice. And it's because they are IN games this year. They are exciting and are only going to get better.

 

Bottom line, Benn wants to play, he wants to go to a team, where when the get better, he is seen as a catalyst. I see nothing wrong with that.

I understand that, but if he's as good as they say he is playing isn't an issue anywhere for him.

[Soxbadger]

Why do you think the Illini have been on ESPN and ESPN2 as much as they have this year? To see John Stocco and the Badgers? To see JoePa (ok, maybe to see JoePa.). No, it's because of Juice. And it's because they are IN games this year. They are exciting and are only going to get better.

 

They were televised because Wisconsin is a top 20 team. Top 20 teams almost always get televised.

 

Most people outside of Illinois dont even know how Juice is. He does not even have outstanding numbers.

 

The reality is, look at this weeks schedule.

 

OSU on tv, Michigan on tv, Wisconsin on tv.

 

Illinois not on tv.

 

I know Illinois is getting better, and that is good for the Big 10 because right now with only 3-4 legit teams only Michigan and OSU are getting any respect.

 

Atleast next year a victory against Illinois may mean something.

[Jimbo's Drinker]

I have watched alot of ESPN and other networks....ive heard a few mentions of "Juice" only when Illinois is playing.

[thedoctor]

Most people outside of Illinois dont even know how Juice is. He does not even have outstanding numbers.

 

in terms of fan recognition i would agree with you, but if you are talking about fellow coaches and players, i think they are all well-aware of juice. and no, he doesn't have outstanding numbers, but what true freshman quarterback does? it's not really about numbers this year for him. it's about getting experience and learning what the college game is all about. ideally, he wouldn't even be playing, but considering our senior quarterback shat himself, we didn't have much of a choice.

[Soxbadger]

Its nothing against Juice.

 

Just another poster was suggesting that the reason why Illinois was on TV against Wisconsin and PSU, was Juice.

 

Not the fact that PSU and Wisconsin are the programs ESPN wanted to show.

 

It will be interesting to see how Juice progresses, he has amazing arm strength and qb mobility, just he either needs to learn to put some touch on throws, or get WR's who can handle the heat.

 

Wisconsin also has gotten a verbal from Quincy Landingham athlete from Michigan. Hes a 4star recruit, who MSU lost due to the sucking fiasco.

Edited November 10, 2006 by Soxbadger

[thedoctor]

It will be interesting to see how Juice progresses, he has amazing arm strength and qb mobility, just he either needs to learn to put some touch on throws, or get WR's who can handle the heat.

hopefully benn can help in that area.

[Soxbadger]

Only problem is that wr is basically the last position you need to fill to make a good college football team.

[thedoctor]

Only problem is that wr is basically the last position you need to fill to make a good college football team.

 

i don't agree with that at all. i'd say tight ends are probably less important, and you could even argue that safety qualifies as well. besides, for illinois's purposes, their biggest needs are on the o-line and receiver. one of those has been addressed with the additions of benn and morris. hopefully craig wilson will help with some of the o-line deficiencies.

[whitesoxfan101]

Don't get mad at me for hating on U of I because this thread is a U of I lovefest, but...what a dumbass Benn is. He's going to a s***ty football school that's not a regional pick for him or anything. On top of that he can watch Zook blow multiple games from the sidelines while his talent goes undeveloped. Then again, I guess when the team on the field doesn't win anything the fans have to root for recruiting victories.

 

Spoken like a true fan of those mighty Tigers. They call you guys Misery for a reason.

[CanOfCorn]

Sorry people, but after a couple of tight games with Juice at the helm, ESPN picked up the games. Yes, I understand that Wisco and PSU are bowl-bound teams, but are you telling me that those were the best Big Ten games those weekends, not being picked up by ABC, which, by the way, are more regional than ESPN is.

 

I don't know how many times I tried to turn on a Big Ten game on ABC here in Texas and I get Kansas State-Texas A&M or something like that.

 

ESPN KNOWS that Juice is special, and they KNOW what kind of a recruiter Zook is, and they KNOW that he isn't a great coach, but a talent like Juice, mostly his feet, will overcome some of those problems. ESPN wants to see talent and the more talent that goes to Illinois, the more they will be on.

 

And I think that would go for ANY Big Ten team. (see: Northwestern in '95 and '96 and Purdue with Brees).

[IlliniKrush]

Spoken like a true fan of those mighty Tigers. They call you guys Misery for a reason.

So when's the next Busch Braggin Rights ass-whoopin?

[Gene Honda Civic]

Sorry people, but after a couple of tight games with Juice at the helm, ESPN picked up the games. Yes, I understand that Wisco and PSU are bowl-bound teams, but are you telling me that those were the best Big Ten games those weekends, not being picked up by ABC, which, by the way, are more regional than ESPN is.

 

I don't know how many times I tried to turn on a Big Ten game on ABC here in Texas and I get Kansas State-Texas A&M or something like that.

 

ESPN KNOWS that Juice is special, and they KNOW what kind of a recruiter Zook is, and they KNOW that he isn't a great coach, but a talent like Juice, mostly his feet, will overcome some of those problems. ESPN wants to see talent and the more talent that goes to Illinois, the more they will be on.

 

And I think that would go for ANY Big Ten team. (see: Northwestern in '95 and '96 and Purdue with Brees).

Wrong.

 

It's the ESPN-Big Ten contract. I was going to say the same thing as Jimbo's, and we never agree.

 

Keep drinking the Juice Kool-Aid.

[CanOfCorn]

Wrong.

 

It's the ESPN-Big Ten contract. I was going to say the same thing as Jimbo's, and we never agree.

 

Keep drinking the Juice Kool-Aid.

 

 

I understand...contract. Why weren't the Illini on more last year then?

[Gene Honda Civic]

I understand...contract. Why weren't the Illini on more last year then?

Many of the Big Ten's "second best" games are getting shifted to ESPNU this year. It's ESPN's punishment to the Big Ten because they're jumping ship with their own network, and a way to get people to request ESPNU be picked up by their cable provider since it was only available in something like 1.5M housholds as of this summer (the last time I read anything on the network).

 

So, yeah, Illinois has been on ESPN more this season, but so have a lot of s***ty teams in the 11AM time slot.

[illinilaw08]

Some points after reading the comments with regard to Benn.

 

Illinois is down, but they are rising as many people said, but don't forget they won the Big Ten in 2001, just 5 years ago. Now they fell hard after that (amazing how quickly they fell when Kittner left), but it's not like Illinois has always been a Big 10 doormat.

 

For those saying a WR is the last position you need to fill, just remember that Derrick Williams was a big reason Penn State rose from the ashes last year.

 

Last point, Zook does not have the best reputation as a head coach, but neither did Mack Brown, or Carrol (remember how inept he was in the NFL), or even Lloyd Carr, and they have all won National Titles. With talent, anything can happen in college football. All I want from Zook is to be competitive every year. And I mean bowl games every year and compete for the Big 10 every 5 years.