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Ranking Big Ten Programs by Recruiting Classes

By Jerran Anderson

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh catches passes prior to the game against the Florida State Seminoles at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 48-3. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illinois Fighting Illini had a rough go of things in Lovie Smith’s first-year as head coach. However, help is on the way on the recruiting trail. The Fighting Illini went 2-7 in the Big Ten Conference last season. They haven’t won more than two games in conference since the 2014 season.

The offense scored 19.7 points per game last season, 122nd in the FBS, and the scoring defense surrendered 31.9 points per game. Not a good formula for success, but that’s why teams can recruit new blood to establish their system.

Illinois signed 25 total players to their 2017 recruiting class. They signed 25 three-stars and a two-star prospect, according to 247Sports. 13 players are on offense and 12 are on defense. 10 players from the state of Illinois signed to this class.

One key recruit is Illinois native wide receiver Ricky Smalling. Small is a three-star prospect who ranks 357th nationally, 52nd by position and sixth overall player in the state, according to 247Sports. He caught 80 passes for 1,336 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns in his senior season.

Another recruit is inside linebacker Delshawn Phillips. Phillips is a three-star junior college prospect who ranks 31st in the nation, third by position and fourth in the state of Kansas, according to 247Sports. With middle linebacker Hardy Nickerson graduating, the Fighting Illini hope Phillips can fill that void. Phillips recorded 72 total tackles (45 solo, 27 assisted), seven sacks and forced fumble last season at Garden City Community College. He enrolled early in January.

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