Illinois Signs 19 on National Signing Day

Signing Day Central | PDF

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Illinois football staff led by head coach Bret Bielema signed 19 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday. Bielema continued Illinois' rise in recruiting by signing his third-straight top-50 recruiting class, a feat achieved at Illinois for the first time since the beginning of recruiting rankings, according to 247Sports.

Bielema has now signed three of the four highest-ranked Illini recruiting classes of the past 15 years, according to 247Sports. The class is highlighted by six players with at least one four-star rating from a national recruiting service, the Illini's most four-star recruits since 2009. Illinois bolstered its interior, signing seven offensive or defensive linemen that combined for over 55 other Power-5 offers. 

Bielema also continued his strong commitment to recruiting the state of Illinois by signing four players that all ranked within the top 33 in the state, according to 247Sports. Bielema has now signed at least four of the state's top 33 in three straight years, following a 10-year stretch where Illinois signed four of the state's top 33 on four occasions combined. Two state of Illinois signees had former Illini as their high school head coaches in WR Tysean Griffin (Chris James at Morgan Park) and DL Eddie Tuerk (Jon Beutjer at Lyons Township), plus out-of-state OLB JoJo Knight was coached by a former Illini (Russell Ellington at Gadsden County).

Illinois anticipates 13 of the 19 signees to enroll at the University of Illinois in January: OLB Joe Barna, OLB Daniel Brown, DB Chase Canada, OL Andrew Dennis, WR Tysean Griffin, OL Brandon Hansen, DL Demetrius John, OLB JoJo Knight, DL Angelo McCullom, QB Trey Petty, WR Mario Sanders II, DL Eddie Tuerk, and DB Vernon Woodward III.

Breakdown

By State
19 players from 14 states: Illinois (4), Florida (2), Ohio (2), California (1), Georgia (1), Kansas (1), Louisiana (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (1), Nebraska (1), Pennsylvania (1), Tennessee (1), Utah (1)

By Position
Quarterback (1), Running Back (1), Wide Receivers (3), Tight End (1), Offensive Line (3), Defensive Line (4), Outside Linebacker (2), Linebacker (1), Defensive Back (3)

Joe Barna
Wheaton, Ill. / Wheaton North
DL / 6-4 / 255

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Defensive lineman ranks: #101 (ESPN), #131 (247Sports), #136 (On3)
• State of Illinois ranks: #24 (ESPN), #27 (Rivals), #31 (247Sports), #37 (On3)
• Played for head coach Joe Wardynski at Wheaton North
• 2023 IHSFCA 7A All-State
• 2023 News-Gazette All-State Special Mention
• Two-time all-area
• 2023 DuKane Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year
• Two-time All-DuKane Conference
• 2023 Wheaton North Defensive Player of the Year
• Helped Wheaton North to state titles in 2021 and 2022
• Also played basketball as a freshman and sophomore
• Offers included Iowa State, Kansas, Oklahoma, Purdue, Tulane, Washington State, and Wisconsin

Personal
• Born February 8, 2006
• Son of Dan and Michelle Barna
• One brother, Andrew
• Chose Illinois because, "The coaches and the atmosphere. I feel like to have Coach Bielema as a defensive minded coach and have had coached D-line and played it helps me. The atmosphere also truly embodies their motto that is FamILLy. This group of coaches and people do really give the family feel and I think big things are ahead for this program."
• Plans to major in business

Easton Baker
Stansbury, Utah / Stansbury
LB / 6-0 / 210

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Linebacker ranks: #45 (ESPN), #89 (On3), #146 (247Sports)
• State of Utah ranks: #12 (On3), #14 (ESPN), #19 (247Sports)
• Played for head coach Eric Adler at Stansbury
• Four-year letterwinner
• 245 career tackles, 15 forced fumbles, and three defensive touchdowns
• Two-time 5A All-State First Team
• Two-time region defensive MVP
• 2023 team captain
• Honor Roll
• Offers included Arizona State, Arkansas, Boise State, BYU, Oklahoma, and Washington State

Personal
• Born July 6, 2005
• Son of Craig and Reine Baker
• Three brothers, Trot, Broncs, and Zeke
• Chose Illinois because, "Coach B has created such a family feel here."

Daniel Brown
Kansas City, Kan. / Bishop Ward / Hutchinson CC
OLB / 6-1 / 240

2023 Sophomore - Hutchinson CC
• Four-star recruit by ESPN
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, On3, and Rivals
• Junior college ranks: #3 (ESPN), #20 (On3), #23 (247Sports)
• Junior college outside linebacker ranks: #1 (247), #1 (ESPN), #7 (On3)
• Played for head coach Drew Dallas at Hutchinson CC
• 2023 NJCAA All-American First Team
• 2023 Jayhawk Conference Defensive Player of the Year
• Led the NJCAA in sacks with 18.0 in 11 games
• Registered a sack in 10 straight games, the second-longest streak in Hutchinson history
• 18.0 sacks were the second-most in Hutchinson single-season history and the most since Troy West in 1996
• Totaled 51 tackles, 23.0 tackles for loss, 18.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovered, two pass breakups, and 13 quarterback hurries
• Forced two safeties, one against Ellsworth and one against Independence
• Majored in Kinesiology at Hutchinson
• Offers included Buffalo, Hawaii, Houston, Louisiana Tech, Minnesota, Tulane, Utah State, and Washington State

2022 Freshman - Hutchinson CC
• Nine tackles in eight games as a true freshman

High School
• Played for head coach Greg Duggins at Bishop Ward

Personal
• Born August 17, 2004
• Son of Eric Carter and Shameka Brown
• Two brothers, DeVaughn Brown and Devon Carter, and three sisters, Raven Carter, Londyn Carter, and Erica Carter
• Chose Illinois because, "The coaches have a plan for me and I feel like it's home.
• Plans to major in recreation, sport, and tourism

Chase Canada
Hahnville, La. / Foster (Texas) / Trinity Valley CC (Texas)
DB / 6-0 / 190

2023 Freshman - Trinity Valley CC
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals
• Junior college ranks: #68 (247Sports Composite)
• Junior college cornerback ranks: #6 (247Sports Composite), #8 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Sherard Poteete at Trinity Valley CC
• 20 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 10 games for Trinity Valley CC
• Offers included Charlotte, Connecticut, Georgia Southern, Hawaii, Houston, Indiana, Temple, Troy, Tulane, and Utah State

High School
• Played for head coach Shaun McDowell at Foster (Texas)
• Four-year letterwinner

Personal
• Born November 30, 2004
• Son of Marcello Canada and Ashanti Roberts
• Father, Marcello Canada, played basketball at Southern University
• Older brother, Channing Canada, played football at TCU
• Chose Illinois because, "The new tradition of putting DBs in the NFL. I believe the coaches can develop me as a NFL-caliber DB as well as a young man."
• Plans to major in finance

Andrew Dennis
Mt. Pleasant, Mich. / Mt. Pleasant
OL / 6-5 / 290

High School
• Highest rated interior offensive line recruit in program history
• Third-highest rated offensive line recruit in program history
• Four-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals
• Three-star recruit by ESPN and On3
• No. 4 interior lineman in the nation by Rivals and No. 7 by 247Sports
• Top 200 recruit in the nation by 247Sports and Rivals
• Interior offensive lineman ranks: #4 (Rivals), #7 (247Sports), #30 (On3), #38 (ESPN)
• State of Michigan ranks: #3 (247), #3 (Rivals), #11 (On3), #13 (Rivals)
• Played for head coach Jason McIntyre at Mt. Pleasant
• Three-year letterwinner
• Started on an offensive line with three 1,000-yard rushers over three years
• 2023 MaxPreps All-Midwest
• 2023 Detroit Free Press Dream Team
• Two-time All-MHSFCA First Team
• Two-time M-Live AP All-State
• Two-time all-region
• Three-time All-Saginaw Valley Conference
• Led Mt. Pleasant to a 28-5 record in his three years as a starter
• 2023 Academic All-State
• Three-time academic all-conference
• Four-year member of the Honor Roll
• Also played hockey (2020-21), track and field (2022-23), and baseball (2021) in high school
• Did not play football until his freshman year of high school
• Offers included Auburn, Baylor, Boston College, Cincinnati, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Penn State, Purdue, Stanford, and Utah

Personal
• Born January 28, 2006
• Nickname: AJ
• Son of William and Robin Dennis
• Father is an Army veteran
• Born in Kazakhstan before begin adopted at eight months old and moving to Michigan
• Started ice skating at two years old
• Played high-level travel hockey until high school
• Chose Illinois because, "The amazing culture of the football program along with a top business school in the Gies College of Business. The coaches are great on and off the field. It is an elite combination of high-level academics and athletics."
• Plans to major in supply chain management

Tysean Griffin
Chicago, Ill. / Morgan Park
WR / 5-10 / 165

High School
• Four-star recruit by Rivals
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3
• Wide receiver ranks: #20 (On3), #56 (247Sports), #67 (Rivals), #70 (ESPN)
• State of Illinois ranks: #12 (Rivals), #16 (ESPN), #17 (247Sports), #17 (On3)
• Played for head coach and former Illini Chris James at Morgan Park
• 17 career touchdowns, 1,200 rushing yards, 401 receiving yards, 44 tackles, and three interceptions during four-year career at Morgan Park
• 2023 News-Gazette All-State Special Mention
• Chicago Sun-Times All-Area
• Two-time all-city first team
• 2023 IHSFCA Academic All-State
• National Honor Society
• Offers included Arkansas, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Louisville, Michigan State, Missouri, Purdue, Syracuse, Tennessee, Wisconsin

Personal
• Born June 12, 2006
• Son of Tyrone Griffin and Veronica Griffin
• One brother, Tyrone Griffin, and three sisters, Shayleaf Alsberry, Taya Griffin, and Tyrie Griffin
• Chose Illinois because, "It's close to home for my family to come down and watch the games and it also feels good to always give back to my home state."
• Plans to major in agriculture

Brandon Hansen
Mundelein, Ill. / Mundelein
OL / 6-6 / 320

High School
• First commit in Illinois' Class of 2024
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Offensive tackle ranks: #103 (247), #142 (ESPN), #170 (On3)
• State of Illinois ranks: #28 (Rivals), #30 (247Sports), #32 (ESPN), #51 (On3)
• Played for head coach Vince DeFrancesco at Mundelein
• 2023 News-Gazette All-State First Team
• 2022 and 2023 IHSFCA 7A All-State Honorable Mention
• Two-time all-area and all-conference
• 2022 and 2023 IHSFCA Academic All-State
• Also participated in track and field in high school
• Qualified for the state meet in the shot put
• Offers included Central Michigan and Toledo

Personal
• Born August 18, 2006
• Son of Rada Hansen and Scott & Beth Hansen
• One brother, Luka
• Chose Illinois because, "it is the best place for me to be as a lineman and for academics."
• Plans to major in communications

Tanner Hollinger
Stromsburg, Neb. / Cross County
TE / 6-5 / 240

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3
• Two-star recruit by Rivals
• Tight end ranks: #47 (ESPN), #73 (247Sports), #76 (On3)
• State of Nebraska ranks: #12 (ESPN), #14 (247Sports), #14 (On3)
• Played for head coach Matt Carroll at Cross County
• Played 8-man football in high school
• Four-year letterwinner
• 23 receptions for 408 yards and 12 touchdowns as a senior
• 13 receptions for 141 yards and three touchdowns as a junior
• Two-time all-state
• Two-time all-district
• Also was an all-conference basketball player and participated in track and field in high school
• Honor Roll
• Offers included Air Force, Army, Brown, Dartmouth, Miami (Ohio), Navy, Northern Illinois, UAB, and Yale

Personal
• Born December 28, 2005
• Son of Brent and Shelly Hollinger
• Two older brothers, Grant and Cory
• Brother, Cory, plays football at Wayne State
• Chose Illinois because, "I loved the coaches and campus."
• Plans to major in business

Demetrius John
Columbus, Ohio / Dublin Coffman
DL / 6-3 / 250

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Defensive lineman ranks: #49 (On3), #60 (ESPN), #98 (247Sports)
• State of Ohio ranks: #28 (On3), #33 (247Sports), #36 (ESPN), #42 (Rivals)
• Played for head coach Geron Stokes at Dublin Coffman
• Lettered twice at Westerville North and once at Dublin Coffman
• Totaled 125 tackles, 16.0 sacks, and 52 quarterback pressures during his high school career
• 2023 All-Ohio Second Team
• 2022 all-state honorable mention
• 2022 all-district first team
• Offers included Boston College, Connecticut, Indiana, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia

Personal
• Born May 12, 2006
• Son of Dalton and Jacque John
• Father is from Sierra-Leone
• One brother, Dalton John Jr.
• Chose Illinois because, "I love the family dynamic there is with the coaches and staff and how the school will set me up for success later on after football. I also love how connected the University is with the city and how impactful the program is to people."
• Plans to major in communications

JoJo Knight
Bainbridge, Ga. / Gadsden County (Fla.)
OLB / 6-4 / 225

High School
• Four-star recruit by On3
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals
• EDGE ranks: #36 (On3), #38 (247Sports), #72 (ESPN)
• State of Florida ranks: #41 (On3), #64 (247Sports), #98 (ESPN)
• Played for Gadsden County head coach Russell Ellington, who played at Illinois and Homewood-Flossmoor HS
• 183 tackles, 44.0 tackles for loss, and 17.0 sacks in 33 games over four years during his high school career
• Offers included Arkansas, Cincinnati, Maryland, Memphis, Missouri, Purdue, Tulane, and Vanderbilt

Personal
• Born October 3, 2005
• Given first name is Josaiah
• Son of Jeffery and Carla Knight
• Two brothers, Jeffery Jr. and Jamario, and one sister, Jecarah
• Chose Illinois because, "I loved the atmosphere and getting an opportunity to be coached by Coach Bullen. I couldn't pass it up."
• Plans to major in history

Angelo McCullom
Pickerington, Ohio / Pickerington North
DL / 6-3 / 285

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Defensive lineman ranks: #86 (ESPN), #118 (247Sports), #118 (On3)
• State of Ohio ranks: #40 (247Sports), #41 (On3), #48 (Rivals), #59 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Nate Hillerich at Pickerington North
• Four-year letterwinner
• OCC Ohio Defensive Player of the Year
• D1 Central Ohio District Defensive Player of the Year
• Pickerington Team MVP
• Also played basketball, wrestled, and threw shot put in high school
• First played varsity football at age 13 as a freshman
• Offers included Akron, Bowling Green, Central Michigan, Indiana, James Madison, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Pittsburgh, Toledo, and Western Michigan

Personal
• Born September 5, 2006
• Son of Derrick McCullom and Shauna Hart
• Three brothers, Dom, Daylon, and Jaylen, and four sisters, Dez, Zyann, Jayla, and Alana
• Chose Illinois because, "I want to be a part of the positive movement the program is on. I believe Illinois is where I can get developed the best on and off the field."

Carlos Orr
Etowah, Tenn. / Gatlinburg-Pittman
WR / 6-4 / 180

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Wide receiver ranks: #83 (On3), #131 (ESPN), #132 (247Sports)
• State of Tennessee ranks: #19 (On3), #34 (247Sports), #38 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Brad Waggoner at Gatlinburg-Pittman
• 730 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns as a senior
• 1,035 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns as a junior
• All-state and all-region selection
• Also played basketball and earned all-district honors
• Scored over 1,000 career points for the varsity basketball team
• Offers included Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Buffalo, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Eastern Kentucky, Liberty, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, and Western Michigan

Personal
• Born October 17, 2005
• Son of Carlos Gillespie
• Chose Illinois because, "The bond I made with the coaches and just the atmosphere felt like home. I felt I could be developed the best on and off the field."
• Plans to major in business

Trey Petty
Starkville, Miss. / Starkville
QB / 6-1 / 200

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Quarterback ranks: #27 (Rivals), #35 (ESPN), #39 (On3), #73 (247Sports)
• State of Mississippi ranks: #16 (On3), #19 (Rivals), #24 (ESPN), #31 (247Sports)
• Played for head coach Chris Jones at Starkville
• Three-year starter
• Totaled nearly 7,000 passing yards, over 3,000 rushing yards, and over 100 total touchdowns during high school career
• 2023 Mississippi Class 7A Mr. Football 
• 2023 Mississippi Offensive Player of the Year
• 2022 and 2023 all-state first team and 2021 all-state second team
• Led Starkville to the Mississippi 6A state title as a junior
• 2022 6A state championship game MVP
• Mississippi MVP during the 2023 Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic
• All-area basketball player
• National Honor Society
• Offers included Georgia Tech, Indiana, Mississippi, Mississippi State, San Diego State, Southern Miss, Troy, and West Virginia

Personal
• Born September 24, 2005
• Son of Billy Petty and Carrie Carter
• Four older brothers, Cam, Blake, Brandon, and Yadarious, two older sisters, Amber and Bri, and one younger sister, Khloe
• Chose Illinois because, "I have a lot of trust in the community and coaches and staff I will be around for the next 4+ years of my life."
• Plans to major in business

Amar Reynolds
Fort Pierce, Fla. / Vero Beach
DB / 6-1 / 175

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Cornerback ranks: #127 (247Sports), #133 (ESPN), #191 (On3)
• State of Florida ranks: #166 (247Sports), #198 (On3), #202 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Lenny Jankowski at Vero Beach
• Transferred to Vero Beach for his senior season
• Offers included Charlotte, Indiana, Middle Tennessee, and Western Kentucky

Personal
• Born May 8, 2006
• Son of Lavoris Reynolds and Takeyia Simpson
• Five brothers, Fredrick, Kaleb, Aiden, Tyler, and Landon, and three sisters, Niyah, Ari, and Taylor
• Chose Illinois because, "The player development in the last couple of years."

Mario Sanders II
Minneapolis, Minn. / Minneapolis North / Iowa Central CC
WR / 5-10 / 190

2023 Redshirt Freshman - Iowa Central CC
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Junior college ranks: #32 (ESPN), #34 (247Sports), #60 (On3)
• Junior college wide receiver ranks: #6 (247Sports), #8 (ESPN), #11 (On3)
• Played for head coach Jesse Montalto at Iowa Central CC
• 2023 NJCAA All-American First Team
• 2023 ICCAC Offensive Player of the Year
• Led the NJCAA in receptions (72)
• Tied for the national lead in receiving touchdowns (12)
• Ranked third in the nation in receiving yards (942)
• Five 100-yard games
• Four multi-touchdown games
• Returned two kicks for touchdowns
• Offers included Eastern Kentucky, Incarnate Word, Northern Iowa, Northwestern State, Sam Houston State, Southeast Missouri State, Utah State

2022 Freshman - Iowa Central CC
• Redshirted the season

High School
• Played for head coach Charles Adams at Minneapolis North
• Also played basketball in high school
• Honor Roll

Personal
• Born June 18, 2004
• Son of Mario and Jacquana Sanders
• One brother, J'Marion, and one sister, Quamariye
• Chose Illinois because, "It felt like home. I felt connected with coaches and players."
• Plans to major in sport management

Zafir Stewart
Philadelphia, Pa. / Imhotep Charter
OL / 6-5 / 315

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Interior offensive lineman ranks: #56 (ESPN), #101 (247Sports), #176 (On3)
• State of Pennsylvania ranks: #26 (Rivals), #28 (ESPN), #29 (247Sports), #60 (On3)
• Played for head coach Devon Johnson at Imhotep Charter
• PFN Coaches Select 5A All-State
• Offers included Boston College, Cincinnati, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Toledo, USF, and West Virginia

Personal
• Born March 23, 2005
• Son of Shantae Stewart and Bryant Mackie
• Three sisters, Quiyana, Shyann, and Shadiah
• Chose Illinois because, "I felt like Illinois was the place for me and it's very family oriented."
• Plans to major in engineering

Eddie Tuerk
La Grange, Ill. / Lyons Township
DL / 6-4 / 290

High School
• Four-star recruit by Rivals
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, and On3
• Defensive lineman ranks: #36 (Rivals), #64 (ESPN), #73 (247Sports), #89 (On3)
• State of Illinois ranks: #13 (Rivals), #14 (ESPN), #20 (247Sports), #23 (On3)
• Played for head coach and former Illini Jon Beutjer at Lyons Township
• 2023 News-Gazette All-State First Team
• 2022 and 2023 IHSFCA 8A All-State Honorable Mention
• 2023 IHSFCA Academic All-State
• 2023 U.S. Army Bowl
• Three-time West Suburban Silver All-Conference
• 37 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, and 53 quarterback pressures as a senior
• 127 tackles, 119 quarterback pressures, 30.0 tackles for loss, and 19.0 sacks during his high school career
• Honor Roll
• Also participated in track and field in high school, specializing in the shot put
• Offers included Cincinnati, Duke, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville, Miami (Fla.), Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Northwestern, Syracuse, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, and Wisconsin

Personal
• Born March 11, 2006
• Son of Ted and Jennifer Tuerk
• Three sisters, Eleanor, Imogene, and Margot
• Father, grandmother, two great grandfathers, and two great aunts attended the University of Illinois
• Grandfather, Ed Tuerk, played football at Northwestern
• Chose Illinois because, "Stay close to home, keep the talent in state, really genuine family feel throughout the whole staff, great campus life and college town, top-tier facilities and development for the NFL, playing in the Big Ten, and a world-class degree."
• Plans to major in business

Ca'Lil Valentine
Hayward, Calif. / Chandler (Ariz.)
RB / 6-0 / 180

High School
• Four-star recruit by ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports
• Running back ranks: #23 (Rivals), #24 (On3), #30 (ESPN), #44 (247Sports)
• State of California ranks: #5 (On3), #6 (ESPN), #9 (Rivals), #11 (247Sports)
• Played for head coach Rick Garretson at Chandler
• Rushed for 3,242 yards and 42 rushing touchdowns during three-year high school career
• 1,332 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns as a senior
• 1,347 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns as a junior
• AIA 6A All-State
• Archie Amerson Running Back of the Year
• Also ran track in high school and helped break the school 4x100 record
• Offers included Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, Boise State, Boston College, Colorado State, Kansas State, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State, Nebraska, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Washington State

Personal
• Born February 8, 2006
• Son of Cleveland and Jasmine Valentine
• Two brothers, Tair Brooks and Damari Valentine, and two sisters, LaNiya Valentine and Kacey Valentine
• Chose Illinois because, "It felt like home as soon as I touched down, I feel like I can impact this program a lot, and I love all the coaches."
• Plans to major in business

Vernon Woodward III
DeLand, Fla. / Winter Park
DB / 6-2 / 180

High School
• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Cornerback ranks: #63 (247Sports), #81 (ESPN), #112 (On3)
• State of Florida ranks: #92 (247Sports), #106 (On3), #124 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Tim Shifflet at Winter Park
• Played one season at Winter Park after playing for University HS in Orange City, Fla.
• Did not allow a touchdown in man coverage as a senior
• 80+ tackles, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries in his final two years of prep football
• 2023 all-conference first team
• 35 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries in six games as a senior
• Offers included Boston College, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Louisville, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Oregon State, Purdue, Tulane, Virginia, and West Virginia

Personal
• Born January 31, 2006
• Son of Vernon Woodward and Lynzette Alexander
• Has two brothers
• Chose Illinois because, "The culture coach Bielema is building is amazing. Not only will I be playing at a high level of football, but I will also be surrounded by great coaches who will coach hard and treat you like family."