Illinois Football: Jevon Williams would bring more speed to the Illini

Illinois football went off the recruiting map with one of their most recent offers for the class of 2020.

It is always fun to snag talented four-star players when it comes to recruiting. Usually, those are the surefire recruits who can come in from day one and make an impact on the team. But then there are the players who are forgotten or have potential, but no one is giving them a shot. That could be the case with the offer to Jevon Williams.

Williams is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound wide receiver from Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach, Florida. He isn’t rated or ranked by the recruiting sites. In fact, this kid is off the radar to just about every program in the nation. Illinois looks to be his first scholarship offer.

There are going to be a lot of people who will question this scholarship offer. Some people like to see the stars and the rankings. But, honestly, I don’t mind the Illini giving this kid the opportunity to come to Champaign and show off his talents.

Williams doesn’t have great size, but what he brings to the table is better than size. He brings the ability to make plays with his feet. He has played a lot of quarterback in high school but, but his running is what really sets him apart. This kid has the speed that offensive coordinator Rod Smith will love to use in the Illini offense.

I think Illinois is taking a gamble here, but I like the gamble. I think it could pay off big-time for the program. Williams is a kid who can come in and, at least, make an impact on the special teams year one. He could be a solid punt and kickoff returner. I wouldn’t mind seeing him burn a defensive back down the sidelines as well.

There are so many ways Illinois could use Williams in their offense. He might not have the ratings, rankings or offers, but he has speed and that can’t be taught. I think the Illini just offered one of the sneakiest recruits in the class of 2020.