Illinois Football: Checking in on Illini class of 2021 commit Samari Collier

The Illinois football team is about to be in full blast class of 2021 mode here in the next month or so.

That means the Illini are going to continue offering scholarships to talented recruits from the class. We are going to start scheduling these recruits for junior day or having them come up for some type of unofficial visit. There might even be a recruit or two who pledges early to the Illini.

It will be interesting to see who Illinois can pick up for this extremely important class. As the Illini continue to push to build a great class, they can have the reassurance that one player is signed up and ready to join the program.

Samari Collier was offered by the Illini back in June 2019. The relationship built and it was clear that he wanted to be a part of this growing program. Collier committed to Illinois on December 7 and is strong with his commitment today. This was a great pick up for the Orange and Blue.

Collier is a 6-foot-3, 210-pound dual-threat quarterback from DeSoto High School and resides in DeSoto, Texas. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 936 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 27 dual-threat quarterback in the nation. He is also the No. 135 player in the state of Texas.

The Writing Illini had a chance to pick Collier’s brain about where he is right now as a quarterback, what he wants to improve on this summer and what his interests are outside of the football field.

Writing Illini: We are a few months removed from your junior year of football. What were some of the things that you did well during the year and where did you fall short during the season?

Samari Collier: I did great standing in the pocket. My falls were my injuries because it stopped me from running much.

WI: What were the injuries that held you back from running, and what are you doing this offseason to help with those injuries?

SC: Something with my knees and my back. I am rehabbing.

WI: Will you be good to go to start your senior year?

SC: Yes.

WI: Besides rehabbing, what are you doing this summer to improve your game?

SC: Train. I am working on my mechanics with my quarterback coach. The main focus is on keeping my feet moving.

WI: Let’s have Illini Nation get to know you as a person a little better. What are your favorite hobbies outside of football?

SC: I hoop and watch Disney Plus

WI: Disney Plus? What is your go-to on Disney Plus?

SC: Man everything, Toy Story 4.

WI: That is awesome. Do you play basketball for DeSoto too?

SC: No, not this year, I was hurt so I am rehabbing.

WI: Some Illinois players have their parents or guardians cook/show on Twitter meals they are making. What is your favorite meal and who makes it?

SC: Lol, shrimp alfredo pasta and my mother makes it.

Illinois landed a great quarterback in Collier. This kid has gone through some injuries and is working his way back to greatness. He seems like a player who not only excels on the field but has a level head and is destined for great things off the field. I can’t wait until he gets into the program.