The 3-2-1: What new commitments mean for Illinois

MORE: Green is on board with Illini | Oladipo talks commitment

Thursday was a good day for Illinois on the recruiting trail. The Illini landed two of their top 2017 targets in wide receiver Carmoni Green and defensive end Olalere Oladipo.

In the latest edition of the 3-2-1, OrangeandBlueNews.com breaks down three observations, three looming questions, and one prediction in the wake of the Illini’s big recruiting day.

1. Winning against solid offer lists. The best thing about the Illini’s commitment list so far? No reaches. Identifying under the radar types with MAC offers and hoping they are diamonds in the rough is okay for floundering programs who are trying to build from the ground up. But that’s not where Illinois is at right now philosophically. They are rebuilding. But they’re rebuilding with a superstar head coach who expects to bring in top flight talent. They won’t reach for players who aren’t legitimate Big Ten athletes. Oladipo chose Illinois over offers from Penn State and Michigan State, among others. Pittsburgh was the other top contender for Green, but expect more overtures between now and signing day.

2. Making moves in-state. Oladipo was considered by many to be the most important recruit left on the Illinois recruiting board due to the position that he plays, and the fact that he hales from the state of Illinois. Most coaches will tell you that they can’t win if they don’t recruit well in their own back yard. There is still work to do, but Illinois is making inroads. Oladipo is commit No. 6 from in-state after Illinois signed just three players from their own state in the class of 2016. The next step is to compete with the perennial powers for the state’s best talent. This year, Iowa nabbed 4-star defensive end A.J. Epenesa. OL Kevin Jarvis is headed to Michigan State, and Notre Dame picked up commitments from WR Isaiah Robertson and TE Cole Kmet. The Illini have made progress in the class of 2018 and should be in the mix for 4-star prospects DT Verdis Brown, DE Devin O’Rourke, and WR Micah Jones.

3. Adding speed and quickness. Both new commits are athletes who can move. One of Lovie Smith’s top priorities when he took over the program was improving the overall team speed. Though Green isn’t known as a burner in the open field, he has quick-twitch athleticism and the ability to get immediate separation coming out of his cuts. Paired with Chicago Brother Rice commit Ricky Smalling, the Illini will have two of the most athletic newcomers in the Big Ten at the wide receiver position. Oladipo’s forte is also athleticism. He was originally slated to play wide receiver at Huntley. The kid can run. Like nearly all freshmen, he will need to add strength. His ability as a speed rusher should ensure that Oladipo sees the field early at Illinois, however. Other plus athletes Illinois has on board include big time burner Tony Adams, the versatile Kendall Smith, Florida DB Antwan Collier, and speedy outside linebacker Marc Mondesir.

1. Can Green convince Carney to join him? 4-star defensive end Owen Carney is Green’s teammate at Miami Central, and another priority recruiting target for the Fighting Illini. Green is working hard on Carney and trying to convince him to join him in Champaign next year. We still think Florida State is a major player. Carney took a trip to FSU and many thought he would commit while on the visit. But Carney posted a congratulatory tweet to Green on Thursday that gave out some positive vibes for Illinois fans.

2. Will Oladipo still take visits? Oladipo indicated to Rivals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmoldt that he still plans to take his official visits. Unlike some programs, the Illinois staff doesn’t have a zero tolerance policy on commits visiting other programs. That said, it’s not something you like to see. It gives other coaches a chance to make their pitch. And if Illinois falters on the field this season, it would give those coaches more ammunition to work with.

Watkins next to pop. The Illini will put the full court press on for offensive lineman Howard Watkins from Cincinnati (Ohio) Colerain. Expect Watkins to visit Champaign soon, and Illinois will push for a commitment. It has been considered a two-way battle between Illinois and Louisville. With momentum on their side, we’re predicting Watkins will choose the Illini.