Reggie Love signs with Illinois

Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but a top Trinity Catholic High School product will be calling Illinois home for the next four years.

During National Signing Day on Dec. 18, Reggie Love, a four-star running back out of St. Louis, signed his national letter of intent with the Illini.

Love was the first 2020 recruit to jump on board with Lovie Smith and a Jadon Thompson commitment soon followed.

It’s no secret that Trinity Catholic players enjoy playing for their former head coach and current Illinois tight ends coach Cory Patterson. Just last year, the Illini brought in Isaiah Williams and Shammond Cooper, a couple of four-stars and TCHS alums. Love is joined by teammate James Frenchie, a three-star wide receiver, in this year’s class.

At 5-foot-10, 195 pounds Love is built almost identical to Reggie Corbin and could see some reps in what should be a competitive backfield. With Corbin graduating and Dre Brown passing on another year of eligibility in hopes of landing an NFL gig, the door is open for anyone to assume a starting role, but I imagine we’ll see more of a committee. Epstein is back, but has battle injuries throughout his career. Ra’Von Bonner returns for his senior season, but saw his production nearly cut in half despite just 12 fewer carries. Outside of those two, Jakari Norwood, Kenyon Sims, Nick Fedanzo, and Chase Brown are all unproven but boast potential.

He even kind of runs like Corbin too...