Fighting Illini football is expected to name Donnie Abraham to their coaching staff on Tuesday, and it seems they’re already putting his IMG Academy connections to good use. Four-star defensive back and top Illinois recruiting target Houston Griffith (IL/FL) has announced that he’ll be taking an unofficial visit to Champaign this weekend. The former Mount Carmel (Chicago) star transferred to the Florida prep school in July.
Illinois visit this weekend I-L-L
— Houston Griffith (@___HG3) February 13, 2017
Per 247Sports, Griffith is currently rated as the No. 48 overall player and No. 7 cornerback in the class-of-2018. He holds additional scholarship from just about every Power 5 program, including Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, Tennessee, UCLA, and Wisconsin.
Houston Griffith HUDL Highlights
Illinois Fighting Illini Links
- Illinois Coaching Candiate Profile: Monty Williams (TCR)
I think Williams might be the most interesting name on our list. Like Lovie, he has a strong past in the professional league but doesn’t bring much college experience with him. That has already proven to not be much of an issue with Smith, so there’s certainly no reason to count Williams out.
- College Football’s Top 20 Impact JUCO Transfer QBs (Athlon Sports)
[Dwayne] Lawson might be the toughest quarterback to rank on this list. The former Virginia Tech signal-caller has the potential to start right away in 2017, but he was not listed on the school’s rundown of signed recruits on National Signing Day. Lawson is still working to transfer in time for fall practice and has to compete with Chayce Crouch and Jeff George, Jr. once he arrives on campus. Lawson rated as the No. 310 overall recruit by the 247Sports coming out of high school and ranked as a three-star junior college prospect.
- Big Ten Basketball Power Rankings (Big Ten Network)
Chemistry continues to appear to be the issue as the Illini have a number of players with a lot of experience. As I’ve said all season, though, they just don’t seem to be able to get it together to win games that they should be winning in the conference. Their season can be defined by their opponent’s in-game runs. The Illini have been in most games, but allowing a run at any moment of the game seems to be what has taken wins away from John Groce and crew.