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Illinois Football: Top 5 in-state recruiting targets for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 04: An Illinois football helmet sits on the field before the start of the Big Ten Conference game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 4, 2017, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - NOVEMBER 04: An Illinois football helmet sits on the field before the start of the Big Ten Conference game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Purdue Boilermakers on November 4, 2017, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Illinois Football
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 02: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Jahleel Billingsley

The Illinois quarterbacks need a big target to throw to when they need to pick up a few yards or when they are in the red zone. Having Louis Dorsey emerge as a big target last season was nice, but having two of those big boys on both sides of the quarterback would be optimal. Jahleel Billingsley would a perfect fit for this role.

Billingsley is a 6-foot-5, 225-pound tight end from Phillips Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 255 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 4 player in the state of Illinois.

The recruitment of Billingsley is tough right now for the Illini. This kid has so many big-time programs coming after him because of what he brings to the field. Having someone that big be able to catch the ball is a huge asset. He is like a young version of Rob Gronkowski right now.

Illinois does seem to be one of the favorites to land Billingsley. But, since the Illini offered him, teams like Ole Miss, Nebraska, Florida, Penn State, Ohio State and Auburn have all come in with offers as well. It looks like he will be taking an unofficial visit to Penn State this weekend.

I think Illinois ends up landing Billingsley. This will be a huge commitment considering he would be the third top 300 player they have secured for 2019. He would be a great piece to go along with Isaiah Williams and Marquez Beason.

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