High school coaches impressed with Beckman, staff
By: Austin Kim
Updated: August 16, 2012
High school football coaches seem to be impressed with the new Illini football staff. Ken and Derek Leonard, head coaches for Sacred Heart Griffin and Rochester respectively, say Tim Beckman's assistants are actively reaching out to all high school coaches.
The moves have paid off for the Illini. Ryan Klachko, a former SHG lineman, transferred from Nebraska to Illinois this week. Ken Leonard said he made phone calls on behalf of Klachko, getting Illinois and his former player in touch with each other.
While it is just one transfer, this may signal a new trend for Illinois. Central Illinois, particularly on the west side, has a number of Illini targets. Locking in on these players, according to the Leonards may stop the trend of the Illini overlooking some of the region's top players.
