Feb. 04--Illinois coach Bill Cubit wants linebacker signee Dele Harding to have more in common with former Illini standout defensive end Jihad Ward than the fact they grew up a few blocks from each other in Philadelphia.
"I hope he has a chip on his shoulder," Cubit said of Harding, one of 25 signees Illinois announced Wednesday. "I want him to prove to some people they were wrong. He was that great player. That's what I'm hoping."
Harding committed to Michigan in October 2014, when Brady Hoke was the Wolverines coach. He was one of several early Michigan commitments in the 2016 class who didn't wind up signing with Jim Harbaugh, and he committed to Illinois on Monday after strongly considering Rutgers.
He should help fill a void at linebacker for the Illini, who lost Mason Monheim to graduation and saw T.J. Neal, LaKeith Walls and B.J. Bello transfer.
Illinois also signed linebackers Christion Abercrombie from Atlanta, Jake Hansen from the Tampa area and Ayo Shogbonyo from suburban Dallas.
"The group is full of long, rangy athletes," Cubit said of the overall class, "especially at linebacker and tight end."
The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Harding was ranked 28th nationally among inside linebackers in the composite rankings and was considered Illinois' top catch on signing day.
Harding grew up in Philadelphia, moved to Delaware and played at Eastern Christian Academy in Elkton, Md. He led his team with 118 tackles, five sacks and three interceptions as a senior.
"No. 1, he's a big-body guy," Cubit said. "He comes from a good program. He's got a maturity level beyond his years. His physical stature (is impressive)."
sryan@tribpub.com
Illini class at a glance
Instant impact: Illinois' lack of depth at receiver last season was not allayed by the tight ends, who were injury-plagued and underperformed. Three-star Zarrian Holcombe, a 6-foot-6, 220-pounder out of Houston, could help in that area. He originally committed to Texas A and was ranked 39th nationally at his position.
Under the radar: Wide receiver MJ McGriff was a two-star recruit and is only 5-9, but recruiting analysts describe him as speedy with an ability to play in the slot. He could also help on punt and kickoff returns after the Illini struggled in that area and lost top return man V'Angelo Bentley to graduation.
Local angle: Illinois signed only two in-state players after losing running back Kentrail Moran (O'Fallon), defensive end Joshua Black (Machesney Park Harlem) and safeties Drake Spears (West Aurora) and Juwuane Parchman (Rockford Auburn) over the last three weeks -- some reportedly for academic reasons. That leaves East St. Louis cornerback Stanley Green and Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Kurt Gavin to help with depth.
Name, Pos., Ht., Wt., Hometown/school
Christion Abercrombie, LB, 6-2, 220, Atlanta
Jake Cerny, OL, 6-5, 295, Traverse City, Mich.
Harvey Clayton Jr., DB, 6-2, 190, Miami
Trenard Davis, DB, 6-0, 195, Boynton Beach, Fla.
Eddy Fish, OL, 6-6, 295, Groton, Mass.
Kurt Gavin, OL, 6-4, 290, Lincoln-Way East
Stanley Green, DB, 5-11, 195, East St. Louis
Jake Hansen, LB, 6-2, 220, Tarpon Springs, Fla.
Dele Harding, LB, 6-1, 230, Elkton, Md.
Ahmari Hayes, DB, 6-3, 185, College of San Mateo
Zarrian Holcombe, TE, 6-6, 220, Houston
Kenyon Jackson, DL, 6-0, 290, Little Rock, Ark.
Brandon Jones, DL, 6-5, 235, Columbia, Mo.
Evan Jones, DB, 6-2, 185, Conyers, Ga.
Darta Lee, OL, 6-3, 300, Fresno, Texas
James McCourt, K, 6-1, 185, Parkland, Fla.
MJ McGriff, WR, 5-9, 175, Vero Beach, Fla.
Tre Nation, RB, 5-11, 220, Leeds, Ala.
Tymir Oliver, DL, 6-4, 280, Sharon Hill, Pa.
Griffin Palmer, TE, 6-5, 220, St. Charles, Mo.
Eli Peters, QB, 6-3, 210, Jacksonville, Fla.
Izon Pulley, DL, 6-4, 250, Olney, Md.
Ayo Shogbonyo, LB, 6-2, 205, Arlington, Texas
Dominic Thieman, WR, 6-3, 190, Wilton Manors, Fla.
Andrew Trainer, TE, 6-7, 245, Alexandria, Va.
