The Fighting Illini Smokin Hot!

Ron Zook is a recruiter. He may have learned how to coach in 2007 but he certainly hasn't forgot how to recruit. Or better yet, Mike Locksley has learned from Master Zooker and is now applying the lessons. These kids have no chance against powers such as those. Needless-to-say Illinois is not only having a great run on the field but off of it as well.

Since October 21st The Zooker, Locksley and Co. have been roaring through the recruiting trail landing 8 commitments. They are arguably the hottest team in recruiting and it all started with a big defensive lineman from Florida.

Corey Luiget (who may or may not be having cold feet) is a 6-3, 260 lb defensive dynamo who chose Illinois over LSU, FSU, Va. Tech, Tennessee, Ohio St and South Florida. Ron Zook continues to go into the south, particularly Florida, and pull talented kids.

Another area that Zook and the Illini have been abel to exploit: District of Columbia. Names like Regis Benn and Vontae Davis have been huge pulls from that area. of the country. Reggie Ellis, a defensive tackle listed at 6-2, 280 lb, is considered by many the top player in D.C. this year. He recently committed to Illinois.

The Eight:
Corey Luiget - DE 6-3, 260 (Hialeah, FL) 4-star
Reggie Ellis - DT 6-2, 280 (Washington, DC) 4-star
Hubie Graham - TE 6-4, 230 (Scranton, PA) 4-star
Jason Ford - RB 5-10, 210 (Belleville, IL) 3-star
Mikel LeShoure - RB 6, 220 (Champaign, IL) 3-star
Fred Sykes - WR 6, 180 (Tampa, FL) 3-star
Supo Sanni - LB 6-2, 200 (Homewood, IL) 3-star
Russell Ellington - LB 6-2, 207 (Homewood, IL) 2-star

Mike Locksley, who will get looks at any of the new jobs (Georgia Tech anyone?), is responsible for landing five of those eight kids. He is a serious up-and-comer!

I wonder what former Michigan State head coach John L. Smith thinks?