The latest NCAA dead period is underway for college football recruiting, but that didn't prevent some good news for Lovie Smith on Monday. Three-star offensive lineman Larry Boyd (MO) has narrowed his college list to eight schools, and he included the Fighting Illini. The 6-foot-5, 320-pound prospect also named Missouri, Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa State and Kansas State.
I'm extremely blessed @coachpatterTCHS pic.twitter.com/2jYqTx77LK
— Big Larry (@LBJ__76) June 27, 2016
247Sports ranks the big Missouri native as the No. 432 overall player, and No. 16 offensive guard in the class-of-2017. Here's our scouting report of Boyd (you can find his HUDL tape at this link).
Overall, Boyd's tape is one of the best I've seen over the past year -- he's a terrific pass and run blocker. Boyd has benefited from huge size advantages over defenders at times, but that shouldn't take away from his great measurables and skills. He's nasty, tough, aggressive, physical, and he never stops working.
Although his feet are great most of the time, Boyd occasionally crosses over instead of side-shuffling, which leaves him vulnerable against more athletic rushers. That should improve with more coaching and experience.
- Excellent Strength
- Excellent Power
- Great Quickness
- Great Burst
- Great Speed
Final Rating: 9.0 (Four-Star)
Illinois Fighting Illini Links
- Four-star WR Micah Jones narrows list to 5 schools, includes Illinois (TCR)
The Illinois native is also down to Notre Dame, Michigan State, Iowa, and Northwestern. Jones visited Champaign earlier this Spring for Illinois' open practice, and he told Scout that he'll be back on campus sometime in July.
- Pro Football Focus says Dawuane Smoot is the No. 20 player in CFB (CSN Chicago)
Is Smoot heading for a monster 2016, All-Big Ten honors and the NFL Draft? It seems like plenty think so, with Smoot placing higher in PFF's rankings than many other Big Ten stars.
- Vote: Movie Night at Memorial Stadium 2016 (Fighting Illini Athletics)
The Fighting Illini will host the Third Annual Movie Night at Memorial Stadium on July 30. This year the movie will start at 6 pm. The first 300 fans through the door will receive a free Illinois fleece blanket.