TaJarvis Fuller
Star
6′-1″, 190 lbs.
Freshman (on scholarship, 5 years to play 4)
Dunbar HS / Fort Meyers, Florida

ALE Ranking last year: NR

What I Know About Him:

It’s interesting that I’m headed to Rantoul tomorrow. Because by Thursday, I might realize that I ranked Fuller way too high for a true freshman. Or, hopefully, too low.

But the double whammy happened here. First, I picked him as the (only) Instant Impact player in my signing day breakdown. I loved his film, and the fact that he was enrolling early told me he had a chance to play as a true freshman. Second, he had no less than 4 outstanding plays in the Spring Game. That’s all I need. Instant Impact + solid plays in the Spring Game = #27 in The 90 Illini as a true freshman.

The thing I loved about Fuller on film is the same thing I loved about Fuller in the Spring Game: instincts. Some guys just read plays well, and I think Fuller is one of those guys.

What I Expect From Him:

Obviously, if I’m putting him here, I don’t expect him to redshirt. With Earnest Thomas moving back to safety, we don’t really have a backup for Ashante Williams at the Star position (similar to Koenning’s Busseybacker). So it’s Ashante starting with lots of Fuller as the backup (plus BJ Bello will be tried there). By the end of the season, I’m guessing we’ll see a lot of Fuller.

And then next year (and in 2014, and in 2015), I think Fuller is the starter at the Star. And likely an anchor for that defense. Now watch – I’ll get to Rantoul tomorrow and BJ Bello will impress from day one, earning the backup role while Fuller redshirts to add weight.

Nah – Fuller is a future superstar.