Hey al, Rutgers has superior talent over the last 4 recruiting classes. The problem with most of your posts is that the facts belie your incorrect opinions or false narratives. Here are the average recruit rankings from Rivals for the last 4 classes under Schiano. We need not look at the classes prior to 2021, because those classes were under disAshter.
2021: Rutgers 2.95 (three 4 stars) Illinois 2.75 (Zero 4 stars)
2022: Rutgers 2.95 (six 4 stars) Illinois 2.85 (Zero 4 stars)
2023: Rutgers 2.84 (zero 4 stars) Illinois 2.65 (three 4 stars)
2024: Rutgers 2.81 (three 4 stars) Illinois 2.95 (four 4 stars)
In ever single year but last year, our average recruiting rankings were better than Illinois, and that is largely because Rutgers had a large class and 2 kickers with 0 stars.
What is more comical, is none of those six 4 star players from 2022 or 2021 had a role in the game yesterday. From 2024, Raymond, Sanders and Duff had roles. Guess who had bigger roles? 2 star Ian Strong, 3 star Athan Kaliakmanis, 3 star Kyle Monangai, and 0 star Dymere Miller.
For Illinois, the star were 3 star Pat Bryant and Luke Altmyer.
You know why Bryant chose Illinois? The coaches.
“
When coming down to my last two schools, I was looking for somewhere that has a great football program, a great wide receivers coach and a head coach with college experience but also ties to the National Football League,” Bryant told Illini Now/Sports Illustrated.
“I created a great relationship with Coach Stoker back going back to the summer of my 10th grade year at the Kennesaw State mega football camp and we’ve had a great connection ever since,” Bryant said.
Luke Altmyer chose Illinois for the coaches too:
After two seasons at Ole Miss, Altmyer decided to transfer to the University of Illinois to pursue a new opportunity. His decision to join the Illini was influenced by the program's trajectory, the coaching staff, and the allure of competing in the Big Ten conference.
Little things matter:
1. The Coaches
2. Great Wide Receivers Coach
3. Program's Trajectory (Bielema was 8-5/5-4 in season 2, Greg was 5-8/27)
#FactsDestroyFalseNarratives
Nowhere was the fieldhouse mentioned. It was the coaching staff, and the trajectory.
Patrick Bryant, a three-star 6-foot-3 receiver out of Jacksonville, announced his verbal commitment to the 2021 class for Lovie Smith’s Illini program.
www.si.com
Luke Altmyer, a talented quarterback, has been making headlines with his impressive performances and leadership skills at the University of Illinois.
foxillinois.com