In 4 full recruiting cycles, Lovie has done

miserably in recruiting Illinois. No pipeline established, top in-state kids aren't consistently listing U of I as a top school, and not much being established w/ high school coaches. He has developed a bit of a pipeline from St Louis, which only got stronger when he hired Corey Patterson from Trinity a couple years ago.

Illinois' recruiting plan has been grab bag, at best. Get who you can, from where ever you can. Oh, and go get kids from the portal.

While AD Whitman has taken the long view on Lovie, his recruiting chops don't appear to have much of a plan.