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Illinois Football Hosting Texas Defensive Back

Originally posted on Armchair Illini
By Kirkland Chappell | Last updated 5/10/24

Illinois Football Hosting Texas Defensive Back

It looks as if Illinois Football has taken the first steps to address their glaring holes in the secondary. Jeremy Werner of 24/7 Sports announced on X that the Illini will be getting a big-time weekend visitor. 4-star transfer corner Terrance Brooks out of Texas is seemingly, on his way to the 217. A productive player in the Big-12 in 2023, Brooks was able to snag 3 interceptions and 20 solo tackles for the Longhorns in 13 starts. Of course, on Texas’s way to winning the 2023 Big-12 championship. The highly sought-after DB holds offers from the likes of Alabama and Ohio State. So certainly, it’s going to be a tough battle for the Illini staff. However, the chance for a splash recruiting win, and adding a top-level prospect with two years of eligibility to Aaron Henry’s defense is on the table. The pitch of recent success with Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin, and Sydney Brown is certainly present. If Illinois can hit a home run here, it would give the Illini’s secondary situation a much better outlook for 2024.

#illini are hosting four-star Texas transfer CB Terrance Brooks for an official visit this weekend.

Illini trying to win a B1G battle at a big position of need for the two-year starter and former top-100 prospect.

Our official visit primer ️ https://t.co/o6HNu0t7TK

— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) May 10, 2024

Why Terrance is a Priority

Defensive Backs Zachary Tobe, Price Ford, and most recently Elijah Mc-Cantos all entered their name into the transfer portal during spring football. Certainly, players get started over, they see the road forward, they leave… It happens all the time in this new NCAA world. However, this could spell problems for Aaron Henry if not addressed. Quality depth is key for any position to succeed, and the Illini secondary is certainly in the biggest need for solid depth. Brooks may be precisely what the doctor orders for Illinois Football.

Under Construction

Bielema and Henry will need to add 2-3 quality players in this room. The roster in its current form is asking for major big steps forward from Xavier Scott and Tyler Strain. Matt Bailey is proven on the field. However, he is coming off of a shoulder injury that ended his season in September of 2023. The Illini have to bring in veteran players who can roll in with the rotation, and potentially lead this room. Pushing the current starters for roles.

Following Illinois Football’s best secondary performance ever in 2022 with the likes of Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin and Sydney Brown, the DB room was bad in 2023. Which, was totally expected, and injuries were zero help. However, with Illinois recent additions to the portal, the already paper thin secondary depth is shrinking. Furthermore, giving Bielema an opportunity to reload the room, and take the defense a step forward. Priority #1 for Illinois.