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Recruiting rankings aren't the entire story for high school football players. To get a better feel for the entire picture, Len Fuller will be watching film of Fighting Illini football's recruiting targets and verbal commitments. Today he'll be providing a quick scouting report of Illinois target Micah Awodiran.
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Grading Scale
9.5 - 10.0 = Five-Star
8.0 - 9.0 = Four-Star
7.0 - 7.5 = High Three-Star
6.0 - 6.5 = Middle Three-Star
5.0 - 5.5 = Low Three-Star
Under 5.0 = Two-Star
LB Micah Awodiran (IL) | 6'2, 215 lbs.
Power 5 Offer List: Illinois, Boston College, Indiana, Iowa State, Minnesota, Missouri, Syracuse, Vanderbilt, Duke, Kansas, Maryland
It's only a matter of time until a defense run by Lovie Smith and Hardy Nickerson features top linebackers, and Micah Awodiran may be the first step towards improving the unit. Ranked as three-star prospect by both 247Sports and Scout, Awodiran is currently one of the program's top targets, regardless of age. He recently narrowed his top list of schools to Illinois, Duke, Vanderbilt, and Yale.
HUDL Highlights
Scouting Report
Awodiran's pass coverage skills and hands are what set him apart. He has very good ball recognition, which comes in handy when sorting through the trash up front to identify play-action fakes. However, there are instances in which he appears to not completely trust his instincts -- that should change with more reps and coaching.
Although he isn't the most physical linebacker in this recruiting class, Awodiran doesn't shy away from finishing plays. His solid tackling form will be key once he makes the eventual transition to wrapping up speedy Power 5 athletes.
Awodiran has excellent speed and burst to go with very good strength, power, and quickness. I think he'll be able to play both inside and outside linebacker at the next level. I didn't give Awodiran the highest initial rating, but he's someone who can see a nice boost by Signing Day due to his athleticism.