Illinois Football: Illini Add Louis Dorsey to the Class of 2017

Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Samuel Harlib (82) and Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Joe Spencer (71) celebrate with head coach Lovie Smith after the game against the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Illinois defeated Murray State 52 to 3. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Samuel Harlib (82) and Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Joe Spencer (71) celebrate with head coach Lovie Smith after the game against the Murray State Racers at Memorial Stadium. Illinois defeated Murray State 52 to 3. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Illinois football team is building one of the best classes we have seen in the last decade.

As of yesterday, the Illini class of 2017 consisted of 18 commitments. That number has now moved to 19 for this upcoming season.

It was announced today that Louis Dorsey has pledged his commitment to the Illinois football team for 2017.

Dorsey is a three-star recruit who is the No. 73 wide receiver in the class of 2017. This is a huge commitment for the Illini, figuratively and literally.

The size that Dorsey brings to the table is a big benefit to the Illini. He stands at 6-foot-6 and weighs 220-pounds. I am thinking he will end up being the primary red zone target for Lovie Smith in 2017 and beyond.

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Dorsey can also come in as a tight end as well. With his size and speed, I can only imagine how many ways the Illini can use this kid in space.

The decision for Dorsey came down to five programs. Those five programs were East Carolina, Central Florida, Baylor, Indiana, and Illinois.

Dorsey just got finished with his official visit to Illinois and was scheduled to visit Baylor on January 23 and then Central Florida on January 27.

It looks like Lovie and the coaching staff had a good enough pitch to have Dorsey end his recruitment and choose the Illini.

I am excited to see how the Illini used Dorsey. I am guessing since there is such a stout wide receiver recruiting class coming in and there are a couple key pass catchers returning, that he will end up moving to tight end.

Moving to tight end isn’t a bad thing, though. Illinois hasn’t had an impact tight end in quite some time.

Last season the tight end position didn’t give the Illini much production. The leading tight end was Ainslie Johnson with 6 catches for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns.

I think the tight end position is up for grabs in 2017 and Dorsey could have a legit shot.

Next: Class of 2017 Wide Receivers One of the Best

Getting this caliber of a pass catcher is huge for the Illinois football team. They now have 19 commitments and I see more talent to be added. We Will Win.