Edgy Tim's Top 25 Class of 2017 Illinois Football Prospects

Edgy Tim's Top 25 Class of 2017 Illinois Football Prospects
It's National Signing Day as Edgy Tim breaks down the state's top 25 Class of 2017 football prospects.

25. Alex Palczewski, OT, Prospect (Illinois)
Was a late bloomer in recruiting circles and missed his entire junior year because of injury. Palczewski is another true offensive tackle who's senior tape was highly impressive.

24. Camron Harrell, DB, Bradley-Bourbonnais (Iowa)
Harrell was a speedy two-way impact player for the Boilermakers and brings a high level of speed and athleticism to Iowa City.

23. Isaac Hawn, OT, St. Charles North (Northern Illinois)
Again, very few true offensive tackle bodies in this class and the Huskies landed a player in Hawn who could develop into a long-term starter.

22. Chris Katrenick, QB, Jacobs (Duke)
Just a very smart and steady playmaker who was originally committed to Bowling Green.

21. DaQuon Cross, ATH, West Aurora (JUCO)
Simply one of the best overall athletes and playmakers I saw all of 2016. Could play RB/S/DB/OLB at the BCS level.

20. Joshua Maize, DE, Deerfield (Miami of Ohio)
Long, lanky recruit who played mainly linebacker at Deerfield. Has a chance to add weight and strength and be an impact player down the road.

19. Jace James, WR, Glenbard North (Northwestern)
Will just fit in very well in Evanston and the Northwestern passing offense. Strong overall player with great hands and speed.

18. Kendrick Green, DT, Peoria (Illinois)
Was originally recruited as an offensive guard but showed impressive defensive line skills this summer. Raw as a defensive linemen but has the overall physically makeup to develop into a steal for the Illini.

17. Christopher Bell, WR, Bishop McNamara (Minnesota)
Originally committed to Western Michigan and was a high priority for Minnesota when PJ Fleck left Kalamazoo for Minneapolis.

16. Ivory Kelly-Martin, RB, Oswego East (Iowa)
Easily the most consistent down-in and down-out runner in this recruiting class.

15. Logan Christopherson, TE, Lemont (Missouri)
Big, athletic kid who still hasn't seen his best football yet.

14. Micah Awodiran, ILB, Marist (Yale)
Had several BCS-level offers. Said from Day 1 that overall academics mattered more. How about that?

13. Kendall Smith, SH, Bolingbrook (Illinois)
Two-way starter for the Raiders who will focus on the defensive side of the football for the Illini.

12. Olalere Oladipo, DE, Huntley (Illinois)
Will need to continue to learn the defensive end spot but Lere's size and tools are undeniable.

11. Vederian Lowe, OT, Rockford Auburn (Illinois)
Was simply a different player after his junior season. Lowe seemed to found the on-off switch and when that switch is "on" he can dominate.

10. Jacub Panasiuk, DL, Lake Park (Michigan State)
Following his older brother Mike to East Lansing. Panasiuk is yet another high-level grinder type.

9. Izayah Green-May, DE, Bolingbrook (Wisconsin)
Has room to grow and will need to add much-needed size at Wisconson. However Green-May's wingspan and overall upside is enormous.

8. Jake Marwede, TE, Loyola Academy (Duke)
Showed his overall talent and versatility in 2016 leading the Ramblers to the Class 8A state title game.

7. Dalton Wagner, OT, Richmond-Burton (Arkansas)
Hands down one of the top offensive tackle recruits in the Land of Lincoln in the Class of 2017.

6. Ricky Smalling, WR, Brother Rice (Illinois)
Impact, game-changing receiver and a big-time get for Lovie Smith and the Fighting Illini.

5. Cole Kmet, TE, St. Viator (Notre Dame)
Has great size, length and ball skills. Kmet also will keep adding good size and strength at the next level.

4. Kevin Jarvis, OG, Maine South (Michigan State)
One of the most intense gameday players I've ever covered. Showed his versatility last season playing both sides of the football for the 8A state champions.

3. Isaiah Robertson, ATH, Neuqua Valley (Notre Dame)
Smart, talented, big and athletic playmaker who has huge upside on the defensive side of the football for the Fighting Irish.

2. Jeff Thomas, WR, East St. Louis (Miami)
Has been a major impact player for the Flyers since his freshman year. Has SEC-level speed and athleticism living on the East Side.

1. AJ Epenesa, DE, Edwardsville (Iowa)
Iowa legacy recruit made this process very easy for the Hawkeyes. Hands down one of the top overall athletes in this class nationwide.