Illinois Football: Can Illini turn it around against Nebraska in Week 4?
By Ryan Kay
Why there’s still hope and optimism for this year’s team
This Illinois team has more talent, experience, and play makers on both sides of the ball than in years past.
Calvin Avery and Verdis Brown for example are highly rated four-star recruits from the 2018 class which are helping lead the resurgence of talented out of state recruits who are looking to make an impact on the program. Smith has convinced players in the transfer portal from programs such as USC, Alabama, Michigan and Georgia most of whom are able to play this season and are contributing and making an impact on the field.
One of those transfers making an immediate impact is Michigan quarterback transfer Brandon Peters. The 6-foot-5 transfer has played well thus far this season opening up the season with a four-touchdown performance three in the air and one on the ground in a 42-3 win over Akron. He followed up that performance leading the Fighting Illini on the road throwing for four scores in a win over UConn. Peters threw for just under 300 yards with two touchdowns in the loss to Eastern Michigan
Two other former four-star recruits who transferred to Illinois are wide receivers Josh Imatorbhebhe and Trevon Sidney from USC. The latter had seven receptions and a touchdown after two games and Imatorbhebhe had 76 yards on six catches with two scores after two games.
Former highly-ranked recruit and Alabama transfer and offensive lineman Richie Petitbon has started every game this season for Illinois at guard and has played well.
On defense, another USC transfer and former five-star defensive end Oluwole Betiku has played very well for the Fighting Illini. He led the the nation (FBS) in sacks with five and tackles for loss with 6.5 after two weeks of action. At 6-foot-3-inches and weighing in at 250 pounds, he looks to continue to dominate on the defensive line for Illinois.