Illinois football recruiting, moderated. Post responsibly and with respect for players and coaches. Rumors and speculation should be clearly labeled as such.
Baldwin right out the gate intrigues you because of his physical build. For a defensive end prospect he possesses a promising frame with good height, solid bulk, the room to add size, and what looks like a wonderful wingspan. So to speak he looks the part and with that carries some possible upside. As you watch him though you can't help but feel that he can squeeze more out of his good physical tools. Will display the ability to take on a block and use his hands. Does a good job of being able to cross a blockers face, get to the inside shoulder, square up and get into the backfield. Displays a good get-off. He needs to though be more active with his hands when taking on blockers. With his reach you like to see him shoot his hands and create more separation. He can get tied up with blockers at times and almost block himself. He has a solid motor. He can be a bit sloppy as a tackler and you would like to see him drive through the ball carrier more. As a pass rusher he does a good job of getting his hands up and he can be a tough obstacle to throw around with his reach and will bat some balls down. He needs to work to use his weapons more effectively. Tends to attack / run into the blocker and not use his hands and it can slow his rush. With his build he has nice potential as a player coming off the edge, but needs to use his weapons more and have a plan. Baldwin has a foundation there to build on, but needs to keep working to get the most out of some good raw ability.
From the Notre Dame site...has cut his list down to four consisting of Michigan, MSU, Ohio State, and Notre Dame..would like to make his decision in the summer..
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"It's like playing basketball with Michael Jordan," he said. "You're with a legend. A lot of people wish they could play for him but I'm going to get a chance to do it." VA prospect & PSU commit, (DT) Evan Hailes
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