Illinois signed 22 student-athletes to National Letter of Intents on Wednesday during the first day of the national signing period.

2022 SIGNEES

BREAKDOWN

By Position
OL (6), WR (4), DB (3), LB (2), OLB (2), RB (2), TE (2), QB (1)

By Country
United States (20), Canada (1), Denmark (1)

By State
Illinois (10), New Jersey (3), Florida (2), Arizona (1), Georgia (1), Indiana (1), Mississippi (1), Wisconsin (1)

By Year
Freshmen (21), Junior (1)

NOTES

• Signing Class record this season: 172-68-1 (.716)
• 10 in-state recruits, tied for the most since 2017 (10).
• Seven state champions
     » Jordan Anderson — 2021 Illinois state champion (Joliet Catholic)
     » Hank Beatty — 2019 Illinois state champion (Rochester)
     » Matt Fries — 2021 New Jersey state champion (Cranford)
     » Malachi Hood — 2021 Illinois state champion (Joliet Catholic)
     » Aidan Laughery — 2019 Illinois state champion (GCMS)
     » Shawn Miller — 2018 Arizona state champion (Saguaro)
     » Eian Pugh — 2021 Illinois state champion (Fenwick)
• First Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year since 2010-11 (Hank Beatty)
• Nine anticipated January enrollees
     » Isaiah Adams, Jordan Anderson, Owen Anderson, Jared Badie, Malachi Hood, Aidan Laughery, Elijah Mc-Cantos, Shawn Miller, Eian Pugh

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Isaiah Adams
Ajax, Ontario, Canada / McLellan Catholic / Garden City CC
OL / 6-5 / 310

2021 - Sophomore (Garden City CC)
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports
• No. 21 junior college recruit in the nation by 247Sports
• No. 5 junior college offensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports
• Offers included Arizona, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Colorado, Fresno State, Hawaii, Jackson State, Kansas, Liberty, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Syracuse, Texas State, UCF, and West Virginia
• Transferred to Garden City CC from Wilfrid Laurier University in Warloo, Ontario, Canada

High School
• Played for the Durham Dolphins Football Club
• Played for head coach Richard Karikari
• Team's three-time offensive lineman of the year
• 2016 OVFL All-Star
• 2016 Team Ontario
• Also played basketball and rugby

Personal
• Born July 21, 2000
• Son of Christine Trotter and Derrick Adams
• One brother, Justin, and two sisters, Ally and Brianna
• Chose Illinois because, "It will give me the best chance at succeeding on the field and off the field. From the resources in the football facility to the resources in the classroom Illinois, has it all. Illinois has great football coaches that will push you but also great professors that will lead you. I'm excited to start this journey at Illinois and I thought there would be no better place to help me succeed at life."
• Plans to major in sociology

Jordan Anderson
Naperville, Ill. / Joliet Catholic
RB / 6-3 / 230

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #59 (247), #67 (On3), #81 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #16 (247), #17 (ESPN), #21 (On3), #24 (Rivals)
• Played for head coach Jake Jaworski at Joliet Catholic
• Three-year letterwinner
• Two-time All-Chicago Catholic League
• Three-time all-area
• 306 rushing yards in the 2021 IHSA Class 4A championship game to set the 4A state record and ran for four touchdowns and caught another touchdown
• 2021 Spring Illinois High School Football Coaches Association 5A All-State first team
• 2021 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area
• 1,544 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns as a senior
• 2019 Herald-News Football Player of the Year
• Honor Roll
• Offers included Ball State, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami (Ohio), and Toledo

Personal
• Born September 9, 2003
• Son of Johnny Anderson Jr. and Michelle Broyles
• Stepmother is Tracy Anderson
• One brother, Charles
• Chose Illinois because, "Really enjoyed the family atmosphere and the ability to work with outstanding coaches to turn around my in-state program."
• Plans to major in marketing

Owen Anderson
Skillman, N.J. / The Hun School
TE / 6-5 / 235

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #33 (ESPN), #35 (On3), #87 (247)
• State ranks: #12 (On3), #22 (247), #24 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Todd Smith at The Hun School of Princeton
• 2020 all-area first team
• 2019 and 2020 all-prep
• Also played lacrosse and ran track in high school
• Offers included Buffalo, Georgia Tech, Liberty, Massachusetts, Michigan State, and Navy

Personal
• Born December 12, 2002
• Son of Aileen O'Shea and Joe Devaney
• Two sisters, Charlotte Anderson and Maeva Anderson
• Uncle, Tim O'Shea, played football at Yale
• Stepfather, Joe Devaney, played football at Manhattan
• Chose Illinois because, "The great academic opportunities and also being able to be a part of a great program with an amazing coaching staff."
• Plans to major in business
• Plans to pursue a career in marketing or real estate following his playing career

Jared Badie
Aurora, Ill. / Oswego East
OLB / 6-4 / 220

High School
• Four-star recruit by On3
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #25 (On3), #49 (Rivals), #67 (247), #90 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #7 (On3), #12 (247), #18 (Rivals), #21 (ESPN)
• No. 240 recruit in the nation by On3
• Played for head coach Tyson Leblanc at Oswego East
• Three-year letterwinner
• 2020 All-Southern Prairie Conference
• 2020 All-State honorable mention
• No. 3 rated linebacker in Illinois by 247Sports
• Honor Roll for four years
• Also wrestled and played basketball in high school
• Offers included Arizona State, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa State, Kent State, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas Tech, and Toledo

Personal
• Born October 17, 2003
• Son of Joel and Judy Badie
• Two sisters, Alisa and Riley
• Father, Joel, was a national champion in track and field at North Central College
• Uncle, Jermaine Badie, graduated from the University of Illinois
• Chose Illinois because, "The family atmosphere that they have built between the coaches players, and especially the recruits coming in for the Class of 2022. Illinois as a whole provides me an opportunity to be successful on and off field and will help me achieve my dreams and goals to the fullest of my ability."
• Committed to Illinois on July 4, 2021
• Plans to have a career in finance following his playing career
• Plans to major in finance

Hank Beatty
Rochester, Ill. / Rochester
WR / 5-11 / 180

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, and ESPN, two-star recruit by Rivals
• Position ranks: #116 (247), #171 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #20 (247), #23 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Derek Leonard at Rochester
• Led Rochester to the 2019 IHSA 5A state title
• 12 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the 2019 state championship game to earn player of the game honors
• 2021-22 Gatorade Illinois Football Player of the Year
• First Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year to choose Illinois since Reilly O'Toole in 2010-11
• 2021 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association 4A All-State first team
• Central State 8 all-time leading scorer
• Three-time all-state
• 2019 MaxPreps All-American
• Three-time academic all-conference
• 1,899 passing yards, 1,371 rushing yards, and 23 passing touchdowns as a senior
• Also played basketball and ran track in high school
• Offers included Air Force, Central Michigan, Illinois State, Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Western Illinois

Personal
• Born September 20, 2003
• Son of Helen Kwong and Mark Beatty
• One sister, Charlotte
• Father, mother, grandmother, and grandfather all attended the University of Illinois
• Chose Illinois because, "I love the culture and family here. I felt accepted and like I belonged here since the first time I spoke to the staff and other recruits and commits."

Henry Boyer
Chicago, Ill. / Brother Rice
TE / 6-7 / 250

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #47 (ESPN), #50 (247), #53 (On3)
• State ranks: #16 (On3), #19 (247), #25 (Rivals), #31 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Brian Badke at Brother Rice
• Four-year letterwinner and starter
• 2021 All-Chicago Catholic League
• 2021 US Army All-American Bowl
• No. 2 rated tight end in Illinois by 247Sports
• Also played baseball in high school
• High Honor Roll
• Also offered by Kent State

Personal
• Born May 24, 2004
• Son of Molly and Matt Boyer
• Two brothers, Charlie and Jack
• Chose Illinois because, "I wanted to be a part of a coaching staff and group of players looking to put Illinois in the right direction. I believe in their vision for the program and want to make it a special place."
• Plans to either pursue a career in business or the medical field following his playing career

Matt Fries
Cranford, N.J. / Cranford
OL / 6-5 / 275

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #47 (On3), #77 (ESPN), #118 (247)
• State ranks: #13 (On3), #17 (ESPN), #19 (247), #24 (Rivals)
• Played for head coach Erik Rosenmeier at Cranford
• Three-year letterwinner
• Led Cranford to the 2021 NJSIAA High School state championship
• 2020 and 2021 all-conference
• 2020 and 2021 JSZ All-Zone Public Offense
• Also played lacrosse for four years and basketball for two years in high school
• Offers included Akron, Arizona, Arizona State, Army, Buffalo, Central Florida, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Connecticut, Indiana, East Carolina, Massachusetts, Miami (Ohio), Syracuse, Temple, Toledo, Wake Forest, and West Virginia

Personal
• Born December 22, 2003
• Son of Harold and Maureen Fries
• One brother, Will, and two sisters, Mallory and Kristen
• Brother, Will, is a guard for the Indianapolis Colts
• Chose Illinois because, "I believe the University of Illinois will best allow me to grow as a football player and a man during my time there."
• Plans to major in business
• Aspires to go to culinary school following his playing career

TJ Griffin
Hickory Hills, Ill. / Amos Alonzo Stagg
DB / 6-1 / 195

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports and On3, two-star recruit by Rivals
• Position ranks: #128 (247)
• State ranks: #37 (247)
• Played for head coach Colt Nero at Amos Alonzo Stagg
• Two-year letterwinner
• 2021 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association 8A All-State first team
• Stagg record holder for season receiving yards and career receiving yards
• 2021 All-State Academic Team
• Student Council
• Played three seasons of varsity basketball
• Also played volleyball as a freshman
• Student Council member

Personal
• Born March 8, 2004
• Son of Timothy Griffin and Kimberly McGraw
• Mother played college basketball at Moraine Valley Community College
• One brother and one sister on his mother's side, Jaiden and McKenzie, and two brothers and one sister on his father's side, Justice, Gavin, and Mia
• Chose Illinois because, "Illinois is my home. They were the only school who reached out to me and the only school I would want to have reached out to me. There's nothing better than being with people who see and work for the best in you and that is exactly what Illinois is all about. Getting the best out of me and turning me into the man I wish to be."
• Plans to major in electrical engineering

Ashton Hollins
Lucedale, Miss. / George County
WR / 6-5 / 170

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #79 (ESPN), #138 (247)
• State ranks: #22 (ESPN), #38 (247)
• Played for head coach James Ray at George County
• 2021 Bernard Blackwell Classic All-Star Game
• Also played basketball and baseball in high school

Personal
• Born November 4, 2003
• Son of Brandy Andrews and Joey Hollins
• One brother, Jared
• Chose Illinois because, "When I got to Illinois, the whole football staff made it easy. It made me feel like I was at home. They treated my family with royalty and it was just easy to pick where I was going to go. One special thing is Coach Bielema. He figured out that it was my grandparents' anniversary and while on my official visit and he got them an anniversary cake. The coaches knew I had doubts of it being so far from home and Coach McDonald showed me his family and eliminated all fears of being homesick. All the coaches in Illinois make me feel right at home and this is where I'm supposed to be. That is why I chose Illinois to be my home for the next four years."

Malachi Hood
Plainfield, Ill. / Joliet Catholic
LB / 6-2 / 210

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #51 (On3), #75 (247), #96 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #14 (On3), #25 (ESPN), #26 (247)
• Played for head coach Jake Jaworski at Joliet Catholic
• Three-year letterwinner
• Led Joliet Catholic to the 2021 IHSA 4A state championship

Personal
• Born December 30, 2003
• Son of Josephine and Michael Hood
• One brother, Michael Jr., and one sister, Michala
• Cousin, Marcus Hood, played linebacker at Illinois from 1997-2000
• Chose Illinois because, "The 'famILLy' atmosphere felt like home to me. I have a long line of family legacy at this school as well."
• Plans to major in business
• Plans to start a clothing business in the future

Gabe Jacas
Port St. Lucie, Fla. / Fort Pierce Central
OLB / 6-4 / 245

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #60 (247), #70 (On3)
• State ranks: #116 (On3), #135 (247)
• Played for head coach Mike Watkins at Fort Pierce Central
• Offers included Georgia Southern, FIU, Mississippi State, South Florida, Tennessee, and Tulane

James Kreutz
Lake Forest, Ill. / Loyola Academy
LB / 6-1 / 205

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports
• Two-star recruit by Rivals
• Position ranks: #183 (247)
• State ranks: #35 (247)
• Played for head coach John Holecek at Loyola Academy
• 2021 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association 8A All-State first team
• 2021 Chicago Catholic League Blue Defensive Player of the Year
• 2021 Chicago Sun-Times All-Area
• 2022 Polynesian Bowl invite
• 137 tackles (69 solo), 19.0 TFLs, and 6.0 sacks as a senior
• Played running back and linebacker in high school

Personal
• Born August 10, 2004
• Son of Olin and Wendi Kreutz
• Father, Olin Kreutz, was a six-time Pro Bowler with the Chicago Bears
• Brother, Josh Kreutz, is a offensive lineman at Illinois

Aidan Laughery
Gibson City, Ill. / GCMS
RB / 5-11 / 190

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #37 (On3), #42 (247), #51 (Rivals), #73 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #11 (247), #12 (ESPN), #14 (Rivals), #17 (On3)
• Played for head coach Mike Allen at GCMS
• Played with fellow Illini Bryce Barnes in high school, leading GCMS to the 2019 IHSA 2A state title
• Four-year letterwinner
• Two-time all-conference
• Also ran track in high school and is the GCMS school record holder for the 100 meter dash
• Offers included Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Washington State

Personal
• Born October 1, 2003
• Son of Mary and Greg Laughery
• Father played college football at Triton Community College and Joliet Community College
• One brother, Andrew
• Chose Illinois because, "I chose Illinois because Coach B and the rest of the staff made me feel at home everytime I was on campus and in every conversation treated me like their own. The trust and respect built with the staff is what made it an easy choice."

Donovan Leary
Sicklerville, N.J. / Timber Creek
QB / 6-3 / 210

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #42 (On3), #50 (247), #53 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #9 (On3), #14 (247), #25 (Rivals), #26 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Brian Wright at Timber Creek
• Four-year letterwinner
• Three-time all-conference
• Offers included Boston College, Central Michigan, Colorado State, East Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rutgers, Temple, Toledo, and Virginia Tech

Personal
• Born December 21, 2003
• Son of Glen and Lorie Leary
• Two brothers, Andrew Willard and Devin Leary, and two sisters, Shannon Leary and Riley Leary
• Brother, Devin, played quarterback at North Carolina State
• Chose Illinois because, "I chose Illinois because I feel that I am at home every time I am there. The family atmosphere throughout the students and the great academics the school offers will impact my life forever. Illinois will give me the best opportunity to be successful in life. The football program fits my needs and there is no other coach I'd rather play for than Coach B."
• Plans to major in business
• Plans to be a football coach following his playing career

Clayton Leonard
Danforth, Ill. / Iroquois West
OL / 6-4 / 275

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports and On3
• Position ranks: #95 (On3), #125 (247)
• State ranks: #27 (On3), #39 (247)
• Played for head coach Jason Thiele at Iroquois West
• Three-year letterwinner
• 2021 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association 1A All-State first team
• Two-time All-Vermillion Valley Conference offensive lineman and one-time All-Vermillion Valley Conference defensive lineman
• Two-time News Gazette All-Area
• Also played basketball in high school
• Two-time Board Scholar
• Offers included Central Michigan, Illinois State, and Toledo

Personal
• Born August 11, 2003
• Son of Josh and Jenny Leonard
• Two brothers, Cannon and Cort, and one sister, Phylicity
• Chose Illinois because, "The atmosphere and the famILLy feel."
• Plans to major in Kinesiology
• Plans to coach football following his playing career

Elijah Mc-Cantos
Miami, Fla. / Edison
DB / 6-0 / 185

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #45 (Rivals), #71 (On3), #97 (247)
• State ranks: #63 (Rivals), #74 (On3), #126 (247)
• Played for head coach Luther Campbell at Edison
• Also participated in basketball, track, and wrestling in high school
• Offers included Appalachian State, Arizona State, FIU, Florida Atlantic, Georgia State, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana-Monroe, Marshall, Michigan, Penn State, Syracuse, Toledo, UAB, Utah State, Wake Forest, Washington State, and Western Michigan

Personal
• Born May 3, 2003
• Son of Carole Rodney
• One Brother, Clifford Mc-Cantos, and one sister, Brianna Guillaume
• Plans to major in communication

Shawn Miller
Chandler, Ariz. / IMG Academy (Fla.)
WR / 6-0 / 195

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #73 (Rivals), #76 (ESPN), #79 (247)
• State ranks: #70 (ESPN), #72 (247), #77 (Rivals)
• Played for head coaches Bobby Acosta and Pepper Johnson at IMG Academy
• Helped IMG to the 2020 national title
• Helped Saguaro High School to the 2018 state title
• Honor Roll for four years
• Offers included Arizona, Arizona State, Indiana, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, North Carolina State, Old Dominion, Syracuse, UNLV, and West Virginia

Personal
• Born January 7, 2003
• Son of Melissa Cisneros and Lawann Miller
• One sister, Avery

Magnus Møller
Vejle, Denmark / Rødkilde Gymnasium
OL / 6-9 / 300

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports
• Position ranks: #81 (247)
• Played for head coach Peter Nicolajsen for the Triangle Razorbacks club team
• 2021 Denmark national team captain
• 2020 team offensive MVP
• Offers included Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Fresno State, Louisville, and Massachusetts
• Also did taekwondo for seven years and was the youngest in Denmark to get a youth black belt at the time

Personal
• Born March 28, 2003
• Son of Rikke Møller
• Stepfather was the first British person to receive a scholarship to an American High School for football and played for over 30 years with the Sussex Thunder in England and the Triangle Razorbacks in Denmark
• Two brothers, Morten and Peter
• Brother played club football for the Triangle Razorbacks and has been on both the youth and senior national teams in Denmark
• Chose Illinois because, "The family feeling. Many places have great football, Illinois was the one place that truly felt like home. On top of that they do have great football."
• Plans to major in psychology
• Plans to be a football coach following his playing career

Joey Okla
Hartland, Wis. / Arrowhead
OL / 6-3 / 300

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #21 (Rivals), #58 (ESPN), #61 (247), #90 (On3)
• State ranks: #7 (Rivals), #11 (ESPN), #14 (247), #16 (On3)
• Played for head coach Matthew Harris at Arrowhead
• Three-year letterwinner
• 2021 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Large School All-State
• 2021 AP All-State first team
• Also threw shot put and discus in high school
• High Honor Roll
• Offers included Eastern Illinois

Personal
• Born October 6, 2003
• Son of Mike and Connie Okla
• One sister, Kayla
• Sister, Kayla, rowed at Wisconsin for two years
• Chose Illinois, "because of the family feel and the great academics."
• Plans to major in business

Eian Pugh
Naperville, Ill. / Fenwick
WR / 6-3 / 175

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #62 (Rivals), #115 (247), #153 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #9 (Rivals), #18 (247), #19 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Matt Battaglia at Fenwick
• Three-year varsity starter
• Led Fenwick to the 2021 IHSA 5A state championship
• Also played basketball and ran track in high school
• Offers included Ball State, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Toledo, and UNLV

Personal
• Born January 21, 2004
• Son of Melanie and Gregory Pugh
• One brother, Evan
• Uncle, Deryk Gilmore, played football at Penn State and attended Illinois for his master's degree
• Chose Illinois because, "The overall school and the connections I can make with the people here. Also, the coaching staff made me feel welcome. It was the best official visit I had, so it was a no-brainer when the time came."
• Plans to major in business

Tyson Rooks
St. Simons Island, Ga. / Glynn Academy
DB / 6-5 / 180

High School
• Played for head coach Rocky Hildago at Glynn Academy
• Played one year of high school football
• All-region first team
• Also played tennis, basketball, and track in high school
• Two-time all-region in basketball
• Finished sixth in the state in the high jump
• All A Honor Roll
• Offers included Air Force, Chattanooga, Dartmouth, Florida Atlantic, Georgia Southern, Mercer, Minnesota, Navy, and Penn

Personal
• Born May 30, 2004
• Son of Burnett and Zalynia Rooks
• One brother, John, and one sister, Morgan
• Cousin, Desmond Clark, was a tight end for the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos
• Cousin, Tracey Walker III, is a safety for the Detroit Lions
• Cousin, Dominique Davis, is a quarterback for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks
• Chose Illinois because, "It's something different from my hometown. There is a great relationship between the coaches and I. During my whole visit I felt like I was a part of the famILLy."
• Plans to major in sports management

Hunter Whitenack
New Carlisle, Ind. / New Prairie
OL / 6-6 / 315

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #83 (On3), #117 (247), #125 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #16 (On3), #16 (Rivals), #18 (247), #21 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Casey Mckim at New Prairie
• Three-time all-area, and all-conference
• 2021 Indiana Football Coaches Association Top 50
• 2019 Indiana Football Coaches Association 4A All-State Junior Team
• 2018 Indiana Football Coaches Association 4A All-State Junior Team
• Wrestled for over 15 years
• New Prairie wrestling record holder for career pins, season pins and fastest pin, and two-time regional and sectional champion
• Offers included Ball State, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Illinois State, Tulane, UAB, and Western Michigan

Personal
• Born February 12, 2003
• Son of Bobby and Jennifer Whitenack
• One brother, Hayden
• Father, Bobby, played college football at Manchester from 1999-2002
• Chose Illinois because, "It's close to home and a great school. I'm going to be playing football there, as well as being a student, and the GIES College of Business is top 10 in the country.
• Plans to major in business