Illinois Football: Top 5 wide receiver targets for the Illini class of 2021

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 13: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the sidelines during the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 13: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the sidelines during the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

There are plenty of big-time wide receivers on the market for 2021, but there is only a handful who I see Illinois being able to snag, as of right now. One of the most talented pass catchers still available would be Dominic Lovett.

Lovett is a 5-foot-10, 175-pound wide receiver from East St. Louis High School and resides in Belleville, Illinois. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 211 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 35 wide receiver in the nation. He is also the No. 4 player in the state of Illinois.

There are a wide variety of teams pursuing Lovett. Besides for the Illini, teams like Alabama, Arkansas and Purdue are also coming after this kid. But there might only be a few teams who are standing out to this young wide receiver the most.

It does seem that Illinois, Purdue and Missouri are the top three at this point in Lovett’s recruitment. But he hasn’t officially come out with a list and no official visits are scheduled. I would say the Illini are right in this recruitment. The connection we have with the St. Louis and East St. Louis areas are strong. Cory Patterson is a big contributor to that too.

I think we can land Lovett. He would be a huge addition to the Illini class of 2021. Isaiah Williams is going to need someone to pass to in the future. Lovett would be a perfect fit.