'08 OH LB Justin Staples (Illinois Signee)

[LordJeffBuck]

Originally Posted by IlliniFace

Can't wait to see this guy in the fold for playing time in a few years- his physical attributes seem unreal. Staples lined up next to Tez at LB should provide Illinois with great speed, quickness, and strength for a few years.

The knock on Staples is that he is a bit light for DE or MLB, and a half-step slow for OLB, and that's why he didn't generate much interest from the Big Four programs (OSU, UM, ND, PSU). Think of him as a smaller, slower version of Shayne Hale. However, he is a good "character" kid and a hard worker from a winning program who should have a nice, solid career in Champaign. Good "foundational" type recruit.

[wadc45]

cleveland.com: Everything Cleveland

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

St. Edward linebacker Justin Staples said Monday he has made an oral commitment to accept a football scholarship from the University of Illinois.

Staples told Illinois coach Ron Zook of his decision Monday afternoon.

"They seem to be going in the right direction and look to be a good team in the next few seasons," Staples said of the Illini. "They're recruiting some great players. Location was a big factor for me, too."

Continued...

[wadc45]

Rivals $

8/29

Q&A from O&B News after last weekend's loss to Strongsville...talks about his plans at Illinois and what commits/current players he has met.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

10/30

Talks about the tough season St. Ed's had on the gridiron and talks about the upcoming basketball season. Talks about his contact with the Illini staff.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

12/4

Talks about visiting Champaign with his friend Ashante Williams this weekend and talks about his basketball game that will be on ESPN2.

[HotMic]

Scout $

2/2

From the MSU site. Staples says that he was not at Michigan State last weekend, and that he is 100% solid with Illinois.