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Love this pickup! Cooper was flipped between inside and outsider backer in Illinois’ 3-4 defense and wasn’t able to carve out a starting roll. No shame in that as Illinois will have one of the best front sevens in all of college football this year (barring multiple injuries). Cooper was initially recruited by Lovie Smith’s staff to play in the 4-3 scheme, so it stands to reason he will have a chance to excel in our 4-2-5.

On my phone but we just got a verbal from former U. of Illinois LB Shammond Cooper. 6-3, 235 👀👀

Darnell was pretty intriguing to me out of HS. Too bad. I didn't notice him at the spring game either.

And after checking the online roster, TE Darnell and OL Hale-Frater are no longer listed.

We should be loaded at the LB position for the next couple of seasons!

Incredible offer list coming out of high school. Didn't do much at during time at IL, but still has 2 years of eligibility. I like me some big, athletic linebackers.

Good question. I’m not sure if there is any one player with the ability to make a bigger difference for their team than Lingard. Especially considering how inept our running game was during portions of last year. Each MAC team has landed at least a few good players in portal. I can’t point to any one team and say that’s probably an awful portal class. However, CMU has collected the least amount of portal players. The teams I’m most interested in are: Ball State - A new QB and some nice additions at receiver. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them steer in a new direction offensively. They lost Carson Steele at RB and replaced him with Kent State’s Marquez Cooper. Bowling Green - They’ve added some athleticism and size at the OLB position. Just not sure what to expect from the rest of their defense. Connor Bazelak could be a wild card if he has time to throw the ball. OL is still an issue. BGSU has some solid talent at WR. Kent State - They are going to be awful, but got off to a hot start initially landing Jalani Williams, Dallas Craddieth, Devin Nicholson, and Mattheus Carroll. The recruiting of late has been unimpressive to say the least. Miami - Rashad Amos is a good back that never really got an opportunity at South Carolina. He could potentially make a difference for what should be a solid Miami squad. Western Michigan - What are they going to be? I like what they’ve done in the portal and they had a top heavy HS class. Keshawn King, along with the two freshmen RBs, could make some noise and provide a strong running game.

Akron referenced in article about NCAA Football Game

Look for a new font on our uniforms real soon 🙂