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Illinois Football: Carlos Sandy and Edwin Carter are big signings for the offense

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The Illinois football team signed two wide receivers today who will help the program tremendously on offense.

Edwin Carter was the first to sign. He is a 6-foot-3, 180-pound pass catcher from Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1428 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 210 wide receiver in the nation.

The other wide receiver signee was Carlos Sandy. He is more of you small, quick, pass catcher. He stands at 5-foot-8, 153-pounds. Sandy is from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1154 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 177 wide receiver in the nation.

Securing both of these commitments is big for the Illini program. They needed more help on the outside and these two should make an impact early on in their careers.

I really like what Illinois brought in last season at wide receiver. Ricky Smalling broke out as a freshman, and Carmoni Green and Kendall Smith should both be sensational in the near future. But, Illinois did have a few players depart that need to be replaced.

The biggest loss for the Illini was Malik Turner. He graduated from Illinois and will be missed dearly. Illinois also had Sam Mays and Dominic Thieman depart via transfer as well. These three players hurt the depth for the Illini, but getting players like Carter and Sandy will help fill those spots.

I really like what Carter can bring with his size. He is coming into the program and is instantly the tallest wide receiver the Illini have. I imagine they are going to use him situationally in year one. He will be a nice big target in the red zone and on the outside.

Sandy will likely play more of the slot receiver role. He will be used this upcoming season but look for him to really make his mark when Mike Dudek departs from the program. I imagine Sandy will take over Dudek’s role in the offense. I love Sandy’s speed and drive on the football field.

Next: Illini commits who plan to sign NLI this week

These two wide receiver commitments were big for the Illini. There is a new offense forming in Champaign, and these two pass catchers are a part of the movement.

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