Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois has a major pro-prospect and big game wide out in Brandon Lloyd,
a nice sized receiver that makes all the catches and breaks contests wide open
with huge receptions down the field. A natural pass catcher, Lloyd impacts the
game and controls it at the same time. He did a fine job
returning in ’01
after missing his entire sophomore campaign with a broken leg. Should he take
his game to the next level, enter the draft, then run well prior to April, Lloyd
may just slide into the very late part of round one. Another big play receiver
is Walter Young, a huge target that amasses and amazing 17.8-yards every
time he catches the ball. Relatively consistent, Young uses his large frame to
out-muscle opponents and, as his stats would dictate, sneaks it downfield on
occasion. His penchant for the deep ball may be more a result of opposing
safeties keeping a close eye on Brandon Lloyd as Young does not have the speed
one would think. Right now it is safe to say he’s a better
version of Mickael Ricks (spelling?), the former Stephan F Austin pass catcher
that has bounced around the league. Illinois has another pair of senior wide
outs in Greg Lewis and Aaron Moorehead that will receive free
agent consideration. At one point we had high hopes for offensive tackle Tony
Pashos, a right side player we graded out as highly as Marquis Sullivan
two-years ago, but a lineman that has progressed at a very slow rate recently.
Possessing both size and strength, he is competent blocking for both the run or
pass and works to play with good fundamentals but is not a nimble or
agile blocker and lacks top lateral range, which will push him into the second
day. Senior running back Antoine Harris is a nice sized ball carrier that
displays good vision and adequate hands but possesses minimal speed or
quickness, which will push him out of the seven rounds.
Its’ been a while since a player from this program was taken in the initial
frame but cornerback Eugene Wilson could break through. A tough, physical
cover-man with both instincts and techniques, Wilson is effective either backed
off the line of scrimmage or in press coverage. His overall awareness of what’s
happening on the field is impressive as are the number of passes he breaks up.
The difference in Wilson being left out of the first 32 picks could be his
pre-draft 40-clocking as on film he does not seem to be fleet of foot. The other
corner, junior Christian Morton, has the speed and is developing into a
very good prospect. Inside linebacker Jerry Schumacher is similar to
several Illinois predecessors; a hard-hitting, hard-working run defender with a
great head on his shoulders lacking the top athleticism and more of a two-down
player with limited skills against the pass. Finally, end Derrick Strong
has flashed ability in the past and now moves into a starting roll.
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