2024 NFL Draft Prospects as Illinois HS Hoops Prospects
Tonight is the beginning of the 2024 NFL Draft. What you might not know is there are several former Illinois hoopers that will go over the next three days. See what familiar names you might hear names called this weekend!…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTonight is the beginning of the 2024 NFL Draft. What you might not know is there are several former Illinois hoopers that will go over the next three days. See what familiar names you might hear names called this weekend!
Bucky Irving (Hillcrest – Oregon)
Position: RB
NFL Draft Projection: 3rd – 5th Round
PHI Rankings: #121 overall in 2021
Scouting Report On Hardwood:
Irving could flat out go! He ran the show for a super talented Hillcrest squad loaded with future D1 prospects where he was the heart and soul of the team.
The strong and stocky point guard on the hardwood brings it on both sides of the ball as was shown getting a steal on the very first play of the contest. It was his intensity and quick hands on that end that caught our attention along with his knock down perimeter shooting draining an array of threes en route to 25 points. Quick release with not a lot of elevation on the shot.
On Gridiron:
Irving was a high profile running back out of Hillcrest that was electric on the gridiron with his speed and playmaking out of the backfield. That has translated to the next level. Started off at Minnesota and then transferred to Oregon where the last two seasons he has went over the 1,000 yard mark in each campaign. Due to lack of ideal size at only 5’9” he probably projects as a third down back at the next level that should find a home with his speed and explosiveness. Probably a late day 2 pick or early day 3 guy with running backs going late. Will go to a team that fits what he does.
Keith Randolph (Belleville East – Illinois)
Position: DT/DE
NFL Draft Projection: 3rd Round – 5th Round
PHI Rankings: #55 overall in 2019
Scouting Report On Hardwood:
Randolph helped lead his team to the state championship back to back seasons being the anchor next to EJ Liddell. We wrote about him at the state finals saying
Randolph is one of my favorite players in the senior class. He is a top hoops recruit that if he chose that route would have been a no doubt D2 guy and even earn low-major interest. Instead he will be playing on the D line for Illinois. In the semis he was a beast down low. He is such a physically imposing presence on the interior with his sheer mass. That combined with how well he moves, as he is incredibly light on his feet, make him a force. Sealed off his man over and over. Such a great job positioning his body on the block. Plus rebounder and is a brick wall inside on D. Randolph had 19 points and 6 rebounds in the semis.
On Gridiron:
Randolph is a 6’3” defensive lineman that brings versatility being able to be a three technique at defensive tackle or slide out and be five technique on the outside. Strong frame. His athleticism and scheme versatility should see him go late on day 2 or early on day 3.
Julian Pearl (Danville – Illinois)
Position: OT
NFL Draft Projection – 5th – 7th Round
PHI Rankings: #135 in 2018
Scouting Report On Hardwood:
Liked what we saw out of Pearl on the hardwood as a big man with nice footwork and touch around the hoop. Saw him for his final two seasons of high school including this eval from Pontiac Holiday Tournament.
Pearl is an Illinois football commit, but continues to show out on the hardwood. The 6’6” post was a force on both ends of the floor. It started with what he did defensively completely taking away everything Benet wanted to do inside with his length and athleticism as a rim protector. Plus rebounder that snatches them and offensively can put them back in for points. He had 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks. For Danville to go deep in March Pearl will be a key!
On Gridiron:
The 6’6” offensive tackle earned All Big 10 honorable mention honors twice in his career. Excels with his athleticism and mobility. Good footwork at the tackle spot and uses his length to keep defenders away from his body. Looked at as more of a developmental prospect that could go in the late rounds.