Signing Day Central | Highlight Videos | Smith Press Conference

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – University of Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith announced Wednesday the signing of 20 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play football for the Fighting Illini in 2017. The 20 newest Illini join four other newcomers who are already on campus taking classes in the 24-man 2017 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 34 nationally and second in the Big Ten West by Scout.

"We are very excited about this recruiting class as it firmly sets the foundation for Fighting Illini football moving forward," Smith said. "Our staff did an outstanding job identifying young men who fit our culture and fill position needs."

The class includes 10 players from the state of Illinois, seven from Florida and three from the St. Louis area. The 10 in-state signees equal the most in a single class since 2003, which had 15 (the 2004 and 2007 classes also had 10 players from the state).  

"The state of Illinois produces a great number of terrific players, and by signing 10 in this class, we're keeping great players home," said Smith. "The St. Louis area was huge for us this year, and we are looking forward to gaining more and more traction in that city and metro area. As the state's flagship institution, Chicagoland will always be a top priority for us, and we expect to annually be involved with the top players in that region. We were able to sign young men from eight different states, including six from Florida."

The class of 2017 is made up of 13 defensive players, including six defensive linemen, and 11 on the offensive side of the ball.

"We greatly improved our depth on the defensive line, in the defensive backfield, at linebacker and with our wide receivers. Each one of these incoming Illini have outstanding character and come from supportive families. I appreciate developing relationships with coaches and staff from some of the top programs in the nation, and look forward to working with many of them in the future."

2017 RECRUITING CLASS FACTS

» Nine of the state of Illinois' top-50 prospects signed letters of intent to Illinois, according to Scout's rankings, the most for the Illini in a decade.

» The Fighting Illini's 10 signees from the state of Illinois equals the program's most since 2003 (tied with 2004 and 2007).

» Six recruits with four-star ratings.

» Three St. Louis area recruits.

» 14 recruits from within 250-mile radius of Champaign.

» By state: Illinois (10), Florida (7), Ohio (2), Alabama (1), California (1), Kentucky (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1)

» By position: defensive line (6), defensive back (4), offensive line (4), linebacker (3), wide receiver (3), running back (2), quarterback (1), tight end (1)

» By side of the ball: defense (13), offense (11)

2017 Fighting Illini Signees

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— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) February 1, 2017