Illinois Adds In-State 3-Star Receivers Ricky Smalling and Kendall Smith to 2017 Class
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Fighting Illini fans have been waiting for the Lovie Smith effect to kick in since the longtime NFL head coach took over the helm at Illinois on March 7. Illinois had just one verbal commitment to their 2017 class on Monday but on Tuesday the staff ended the day with two in-state wide receivers to show for their efforts.
Illinois high school football fans are well aware of Ricky Smalling. The Brother Rice talent had a standout junior season coming up with a team-high 84 receptions for 1,164 yards with 15 touchdowns. The 6’1”, 189 pound, recruit has been busy in the offseason taking unofficial visits to Michigan State, Wisconsin, an Iowa State. Smalling visited Illinois before Smith was hired leaving some to wonder how the new staff might evaluate the 3-star player.
All doubt by Illinois fans were swept away when Smalling made his commitment public Tuesday night via Twitter posting, “I’m extremely honored to say that I have committed to The University of Illinois. #Illini #WeWillWin.”
Illinois pulled Smalling into the fold over offers from Iowa State, Minnesota, Miami (OH), Wisconsin, Virginia, and Syracuse.
The other Tuesday commitment for the Illini was Bolingbrook’s Kendall Smith. Smith was a big part of the Raiders’ offense in 2015 showing soft hands, shiftiness, and deceptive straightaway speed in the open field. Smith uses his 6’2”, 170 pound, frame in heavy traffic to shield off defenders and has great athleticism winning on 50-50 balls.
Smith was another offer by the former staff getting his scholarship extension on Feb. 3. The new staff honored the offer winning his commitment over Buffalo, Western Michigan, Wyoming, Nevada, Miami (OH), Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Toledo, and Northern Illinois.
Illinois fans got the good news on Smith about an hour after Smalling made his announcement. Smith posted his commitment on Twitter reading, “Proud to announce my commitment to the University of Illinois (in all caps). #WeWillWin.”
Before the two big 3-star wide receiver pick-ups in Smalling and Kendall, the only other verbal commitment for Illinois was Florida all-purpose back Mike Epstein. Epstein committed to the program on Aug. 8, 2015.
Illinois Fighting Illini 2017 Verbal Commitment List
RB Mike Epstein, 6-0, 182, St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, FL
WR Ricky Smalling, 6-1, 189, Brother Rice, Oak Lawn, IL
WR Kendall Smith, 6-2, 170, Bolingbrook HS, Bolingbrook, IL
Photo credit: suntimeshighschoolsports.com; No. 2 Ricky Smalling tries to shake loose from a defender.