Catching up with Illini signee Kurt Gavin
MORE: Illini signing class (offense)
Offensive lineman Kurt Gavin from Frankfort (Ill.) Lincoln-Way East is headed to play his collegiate ball at Illinois, and signed his letter of intent on signing day to pledge to the Illini.
“I’m doing well. My signing day was fantastic, especially because I was able to have four of my teammates also sign for their respective schools and be able to experience the same journey I will be on,” Gavin said.
The 6-5, 270-pound Gavin hails from one of the state's top overall programs. He was the second offensive lineman from LWE to sign with the Illini in the last two recruiting classes, joining 2014 center Nick Allegretti.
Gavin didn’t have all smooth sailing on signing day though. There was one hiccup when he was getting his LOI off to Champaign.
“The most memorable part of signing day was when the fax machine wasn’t working to send my papers in to Illinois, and it made me late for signing day,” Gavin said.
“I was kind of laughing to myself because of all the days that the fax machine doesn’t work, it was that day. When I was able to finally fax it in it was just like I have finally made it. And there are absolutely no more worries for me to finish off high school.”
A 3-star prospect, Gavin was the highest ranked of four offensive lineman signed by Illinois in the 2017, along with Massachusetts product Eddy Fish. Gavin was the No. 35 player in the state of Illinois.
Like most incoming freshmen lineman, Gavin will need time in the strength program to add bulk. But he's a fundamentally sound OL with good upside and a big frame.
When Gavin gets to Illinois, he’s looking forward to several things.
“I’m really excited to play against the next level’s top talent and hold my own out on the field,” Gavin said. “I’m just excited that I’m able to say that I’m playing for the state of Illinois.”
Gavin will be coached by a new offensive line coach at Illinois, with A.J. Ricker joining the staff to replace Tom Brattan. Ricker spent the past two seasons at Mizzou.
In addition to his tools on the field, Gavin will add another colorful personality to the cast of characters in the Illini offensive line room. The kid has skills.
“I can eat a Chipotle burrito in one minute and thirty seconds,” Gavin said. “My friends timed me.”
One wonders if he will put that skill to use at La Bamba in Champaign, where the motto is “a burrito as big as your head”.
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