Early signing day ’22: Spack pleased with ‘balance’ in Illinois State recruits

Though the majority of Illinois State recruits come from the Land of Lincoln, the Redbirds’ list spans from Florida to Nevada. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

By Dan Verdun

Illinois State head coach Brock Spack opened Wednesday’s national early signing day Zoom address discussing the stability of the Redbirds’ recruiting class.

“This class is very balanced between offense and defense (and) specialists,” Spack said.

Illinois State reported an early signing class of 25 players, including two preferred walk-ons.

The group breaks down into 14 defensive players and 11 offensive players.

Digging deeper, the class is comprised of five linebackers and defensive backs, four defensive linemen, three running backs, tight ends and offensive linemen, one wide receiver and one quarterback.

Highlighting both skill position players and linemen, Spack said ISU is not done with signees.

“We’re still in the transfer portal business right now,” he said, noting recruiting has now entered a designated “dead period.”

“We’re going to have some guys visiting in early January,” Spack said. “We’ve still got some guys out there that we’re trying to chase . . . The process continues. It’s very different than it has been in the past.

“It’s a whole different world out there with the transfer portal. There’s not a lot of scholarships for high school players.”

Biggest need filled on offense: running back

Biggest need filled on defense: defensive line

Where they come from by level: high school (18); transfers (7, one from junior college).

Where they come from by state: Illinois (11), Florida (3), Indiana (3), Michigan (2), Wisconsin (1), Minnesota (1), Arkansas (1), Georgia (1), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1)

Player closest to campus: DB Chris Taylor, Normal

Player farthest from campus: DB CJ Hodgdon, Henderson, Nev. (1,732 miles)

Tallest: The Redbirds signed five players listed at 6-foot-5 (DL Steven Curtis, TE Cam Grandy, TE Nick Hawkins, OL Larry Ross, OL Ben Wallace).

Shortest: DB Dalonte Butcher, 5-foot-10

Heaviest: OL Larry Ross, 310

Lightest: DB Dalonte Butcher, 160

Early Signing Day List (courtesy Illinois State University)