Illinois has flipped Coopersville (Mich.) offensive tackle J.J. Hirdes who was committed to Western Michigan but took an unofficial to the Illini earlier this fall then took an official this weekend.
WHAT J.J. HIRDES SAYS ABOUT ILLINOIS
Hirdes credits head coach Bret Bielema, offensive line coach Bart Miller, and director of player personnel Dre Brown in all having a hand in his recruitment.
“They were the first real Power Four school to come and get in contact with me so that drove immediate interest. I went down there and met with the whole staff. Coach Brown came up here and recruited me, super awesome guy and I got to go sit down with Coach Bielema who is legendary in college football. It just clicked. He’s great guy, very personable. I loved it, my parents loved it, campus is great, competitive team. And then I got to go see Coach Miller and I think he’s the kind of guy who can develop a player like me. He said that I was the type of guy they’re looking for and he can see good things in my future,” he said.
He was excited to get a Big Ten offer, but the Illini success on the field this season made their interest even more enticing…