EDGY's Redbirds overall grade: B
Everything seems to be going Illinois State's way these days and that includes the Redbirds success on the recruiting trail. Simply put when it comes to the FCS/Missouri Valley level with in-state kids Illinois State remains the biggest, most attractive and most sought after offer. Illinois State head coach Brock Spack and staff have been able to land kids in most cases off the top or near the top of it's recruiting board.
[MORE: Edgy Tim's Eastern Illinois 2016 in-state recruiting class review]
Headliner Of The In-State Class?
Illinois State didn't need to look far for Normal U-High defensive end Austin Galindo (6-foot-5, 255 pounds). Galindo, who is a multi-sport athlete has the size, frame and upside to develop into a player that could become an impact player down the road for the Redbirds defense. It's pretty rare for any FCS level school to lure away a kid with Galindo's size, speed and athletic ability from the BCS level schools.
The One Who Got Away?
Crete-Monee offensive linemen Joe Ware (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) committed to Illinois State very early on in his process. Ware remained solid to the Redbirds until the very end when several MAC schools tried to lure him away from Illinois State. Ware made a late official visit to Bowling Green and decommitted from Illinois State just a few days before Signing Day.
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[MORE: Edgy Tim's Western Illinois 2016 in-state recruiting review]
Final Thoughts on the Redbirds Recruiting Efforts:
The Redbirds have developed into a consistent winner on the field and in the recruiting circuit for several good and positive reasons. Illinois State has a lot to offer from it's renovated stadium, facilities, campus and just it's overall curb appeal to start. Winning also helps. Add in a coaching staff with strong and consistent in state recruiting ties and again ISU offers prospects a lot of positives. The main question mark these days for Illinois State and it's recruiting efforts is how much longer can they keep BCS level schools from raiding the Redbirds coaching staff starting with head coach Brock Spack?