Priority target junior college offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock tweeted today that he has listed Illinois in his final 12 schools. The four star lineman, according to 247ports, would be a huge addition to Bret Bielema’s 2023 recruiting class that already features four three-star lineman and four-star running back Kaden Feagin.
Top 12 thank you God!! @CoachOatesOL @coachDJLynn @rledits24 pic.twitter.com/ISrVGeFJnj
— keyshawn blackstock (@keyshawnblacks5) November 25, 2022
Illinois Football has put themselves back on the map in less than two years under the leadership of coach Bielema, nothing would solidify that sentiment more than if the Coffeyville standout chose Champaign as his campus to finish his collegiate career.
Illinois flashed for much of the season what it could be in the future, but injuries derailed a promising season. Regularly competing for a Big Ten title is the next step in Champaign and Keyshawn Blackstock would figure to be the key cog in Bielema’s formula to achieving that goal.
Bielema’s staff will have their work cut out for them in the coming weeks, going up against several big time power programs, including Penn State and Michigan State within the Big Ten. The draw of Illinois’ family approach and the immediate impact he can bring on the field could be what separates themselves apart from other schools that run their programs as fortune 500 corporations.
Athletic Director, Josh Whitman has turned, not only the football program around, but the entire athletic department at Illinois, and the biggest reason has been their intentional effort of putting coaches and staff alike that care about the program and the young men and women they coach. “FamILLy” isn’t just a catchphrase used to lure athletes to the University of Illinois, it is how this culture-centric school operates through-and-through.
Bart Miller and Co. have done a phenomenal job of developing their OL, helping lead the way for the nation’s leading rusher in running back Chase Brown. In his first season with Illinois Miller developed Doug Kramer into an NFL talent, being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. This year Miller could have his name attached to two more NFL caliber linemen.
Could Blackstock be next in line? Time will tell shortly where he goes, but one thing known is the 6’5″ mauler fits the “Bielema Ball” profile and would be welcomed by Illini Nation with open arms.
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