https://armchairmedianetwork.com/illinois-football-thad-ward/Illinois FootballIllinois RecruitingFootball’s Secret Weapon: Coach Thad WardThe Illinois football program is rebuilding under head coach Lovie Smith, but much of that comes down to the work of running backs coach Thad Ward.[/i][/color]
By
Armchair Illinois -
August 1, 2017When Lovie Smith was hired just short of 18 months ago, most fans and media assumed he would hire a quality staff. He didn’t dissapoint with hiring’s of defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson and offensive coordinator Garrick McGee. Many, including myself, would soon find out the most crucial hire.
Running backs coach Thaddeus Ward.
Ward was at Northern Illinois staff as the wide receivers coach and had helped them to an Orange Bowl just a few years prior. He is a really good coach who helped players at Northern and Western Illinois become All-Conference.
In particular, Ward excels at recruiting in the college game, especially in the state of Florida. He help load up Northern Illinois with Sunshine State talent and has already become the best recruiter on the Illini staff. Ward has a presence in Florida, not just because he’s a Tallahassee native or played at Central Florida.
He relates to kids well and has a swagger that is needed these days. A phrase used a lot in Illini Football circles is “litty” or “littyville”. Illinois had a top-45 class last season, due in large part to the success Ward had in Florida.
Lovie Smith uses Ward in the Saint Louis Area as well. Two key things for a Ward? Players relate to him and want to be around/play for him. That’s huge for Illinois.
The Illini have six verbal commitments from the state of Florida for 2018, Yes, I said six. Compare that to four from the state of Illinois itself, I think you may see my point.
With a strong end of summer push, I feel Illinois will finish with a top-40 class. Having back-to-back good classes will help bring Illinois football back to relevance. Thad Ward is one of the best up-and-coming coaches and recruiters in college football. Lovie Smith got it right with Ward. I think Illinois football is going to stay “litty” for quite some time.