Ayo (for short) is the real deal. He ended up going to Texas to become a Longhorn and they are quite excited about him. He will play a lot this year, barring injury, and may be a starter by the end of the season. Longhorns think he is star material.
Lovie was able to get him for a late visit to Illinois even after he had committed to Texas. I am assuming if Ayo took a late visit that meant he was at least giving a good second look at Illinois. This is a great local talent that Lovie identified, competed against a major program, and clearly generated interest. So I don’t see the handwringing over local recruiting.
The last I checked, Derek Harper, Deron Williams, Whitney Mercilus, Tony Eason And Jack Trudeau were great Illini even though they did not get an in-state tuition break.No one complained about recruiting them.
So I don’t understand the angst at missing on 3 star linemen from downstate Illinois? Unless it is a concern about whether Luke Butkus is a weak link on the staff.
Lovie was able to get him for a late visit to Illinois even after he had committed to Texas. I am assuming if Ayo took a late visit that meant he was at least giving a good second look at Illinois. This is a great local talent that Lovie identified, competed against a major program, and clearly generated interest. So I don’t see the handwringing over local recruiting.
The last I checked, Derek Harper, Deron Williams, Whitney Mercilus, Tony Eason And Jack Trudeau were great Illini even though they did not get an in-state tuition break.No one complained about recruiting them.
So I don’t understand the angst at missing on 3 star linemen from downstate Illinois? Unless it is a concern about whether Luke Butkus is a weak link on the staff.
