The transfer portal was challenging for us, but Bret Bielema and the Illini coaching staff have managed to turn things around in recent weeks.
Illinois was already bringing in a solid group of transfer portal players, addressing our departing defensive line with some strong additions and filling other gaps as well.
I hoped Illinois would land a few more transfer portal players to build depth, and over the past week, Bielema has delivered exactly that.
https://twitter.com/KellenFrancis65/status/1794427902836003003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1794427902836003003%7Ctwgr%5E722fa4de102cd17d251949f6e65b802d09fc2d9b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwritingillini.com%2Fposts%2Fillinois-football-has-added-two-huge-pieces-from-the-transfer-portal-in-the-past-week-01hytarny24w
Illinois football secured two significant transfer portal players who will make an immediate impact:
Torrie Cox Jr. – Cornerback
Coming from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Florida, Torrie Cox Jr. wasn’t highly rated, ranked as a three-star cornerback and the No. 2041 player in the class of 2021. He chose Ohio out of high school and developed into a strong player with 88 tackles, 7 pass deflections, 4 interceptions, and 1.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
https://twitter.com/tcsmoov7/status/1792970980400476222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1792970980400476222%7Ctwgr%5E722fa4de102cd17d251949f6e65b802d09fc2d9b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwritingillini.com%2Fposts%2Fillinois-football-has-added-two-huge-pieces-from-the-transfer-portal-in-the-past-week-01hytarny24w
Illinois needed depth in the defensive backfield. We recently added Terrance Brooks, who will start for the Illini, and I believe Cox will either start or be a primary backup from day one. Quality depth like Cox is invaluable for the program’s future.
Kellen Francis – Offensive Tackle
With the loss of key offensive linemen from the 2023 squad, Kellen Francis should help fill those gaps.
Francis, coming from Princeville High School in Illinois, played for Butler CC in junior college. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound offensive tackle drew considerable recruiting attention and received offers from teams like Arkansas and Houston. Ultimately, he chose Illinois.
The addition of Francis, who is entering his sophomore season, is great for the Illini. He is a talented player who can make an impact and provide depth for next season. I am excited to see what Francis brings to the program.
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