The early signing period is going to be important for the Illinois football team this year.
Illinois has a chance to lock in most of their class of 2020 during this period of time. The early signing period starts on December 18 and finishes up on December 20. This strays away from the traditional signing period, which starts February 5.
There are quite a few recruits who could be signing on December 18. It is hard to determine everyone who is going to sign, but here is a list of who will sign and when.
*This list will continue to be updated*
Blaise Sparks
The offensive line is in good hands. The class of 2020 will bring in multiple linemen for the Illini. Blaise Sparks is a perfect fit for this team. Illinois was able to pull this kid away from Pittsburgh and Temple, just to new a couple.
- Signing Date/Time: December 18 – 11:15 AM CT– North Ft. Myers High School (Enrolling early)
Quinton McCoy
Defensive tackle was a focus for the class of 2020. Quinton McCoy fills a big void as he committed to the program back in June. Iowa State, Louisville and Kentucky were some of the bigger programs after him.
- Signing Date/Time: December 18 – 12 PM CT – Bloomingdale High School
Phifer Griffin
Illinois is building an offensive line for the future. Phifer Griffin is a part of that future. Snagging him back in July was big for the program. Illinois was able to beat out teams like West Virginia and Air Force for his commitment.
- Signing Date/Time: (Presumably) December 18 – Union Academy Charter School
Kevin Tyler
Another big offensive lineman who will make an early impact is Kevin Tyler. He was a solid get from St. Louis and is someone who has the potential to start for years to come. Teams like Purdue, Missouri and Minnesota were all after this kid.
- Signing Date/Time: December 18 – Ritenour High School
Reggie Love
The future starting running back of the Illinois football team is Reggie Love. Don’t be shocked if this kid makes an early impact for the Illini. Iowa, Notre Dame and Penn State were some of the bigger teams after him, but Illinois landed this kid on April 7, 2019.
- Signing Date/Time: December 18
Jadon Thompson
Jadon Thompson has been committed to Illinois since April 8, 2019. He hasn’t wavered one second from his commitment. The Illini seem to have been his No. 1 choice the entire time.
- Signing Date/Time: N/A
CJ Dixon
Everyone wanted CJ Dixon to come to their program. Teams like Alabama and Baylor were both after this kid. But Illinois come out victorious. He will add great depth to the quarterback position.
- Signing Date/Time: N/A
James Frenchie
Another amazing St. Louis addition this year was James Frenchie. This kid is one of the best wide receivers in the nation. Various teams were after him like Iowa State and Kansas State, but Illinois snagged the talented pass-catcher back in late August.
- Signing Date/Time: N/A
Anthony Shipton
Anthony Shipton was a great JUCO snag by the Illini. This kid will come in and make an immediate impact on the defensive line. We are losing a few key players, so he should fill the void perfectly. Illinois was able to beat out teams like Arizona and Iowa State for his commitment.
- Signing Date/Time: N/A
Lavar Gardner
Illinois hit the JUCO route up this season. Lavar Gardner is a great addition who can come in and play right away. He already has college experience and will be big for the Illini in the secondary. Illinois beat out Nebraska for his commitment.
- Signing Date/Time: N/A
Others
JaQuari Wiggles (Illinois or Georgia Tech)
I would love to continue adding big-time talent like JaQuari Wiggles to the mix. He is committed to Georgia Tech right now but will be deciding between them and the Illini on signing day.
- Signing Date/Time: December 18 – Mays High School