Illinois will host 3-star defensive end Deon Pate from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian for an official visit this weekend. Pate is currently committed to Appalachian State, but the Illini have a great chance to flip him.
On film, Pate looks a bit heavier than his listed 233 pounds. He's thick in the lower body and has the frame to play bigger at the next level. He would start out as a strong-side defensive end, but may project on the inside with some extra bulk. Pate plays a little too high, but that's true of many high school defensive linemen.
Pate has a pretty good get-off and burst to the football. He has strength, particularly in the lower body, but prefers quick moves to get around blockers rather than taking them on and using his hands. He's not elite at changing directions and chasing the ball, but he has enough quickness to play at the Power 5 level. We don't see a great outside pass rusher on film - more of a guy who will out-quick interior linemen up the middle.
With long arms and an aggressive style, Pate swallows up ball-carriers. Tackling is his best skill and you rarely see anyone gains yards after contact once he gets them in his grasp.
Overall, Pate would be a nice late pickup for the Illini. He would likely be a redshirt candidate next season and a solid contributor down the road. We like him as a 3-technique defensive tackle once he gets in the weight room and adds the bulk he will need to compete in the Big Ten.
On film, Pate looks a bit heavier than his listed 233 pounds. He's thick in the lower body and has the frame to play bigger at the next level. He would start out as a strong-side defensive end, but may project on the inside with some extra bulk. Pate plays a little too high, but that's true of many high school defensive linemen.
Pate has a pretty good get-off and burst to the football. He has strength, particularly in the lower body, but prefers quick moves to get around blockers rather than taking them on and using his hands. He's not elite at changing directions and chasing the ball, but he has enough quickness to play at the Power 5 level. We don't see a great outside pass rusher on film - more of a guy who will out-quick interior linemen up the middle.
With long arms and an aggressive style, Pate swallows up ball-carriers. Tackling is his best skill and you rarely see anyone gains yards after contact once he gets them in his grasp.
Overall, Pate would be a nice late pickup for the Illini. He would likely be a redshirt candidate next season and a solid contributor down the road. We like him as a 3-technique defensive tackle once he gets in the weight room and adds the bulk he will need to compete in the Big Ten.
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