Illinois Football: Daniel Edwards adds to Illini class of 2021

The Illinois football team is building a solid class of 2021, and they added to the family on Thursday night.

In a tweet late Thursday, Daniel Edwards announced his commitment to the Orange and Blue. Illinois needed more depth in the secondary, and that is what they are getting with this talented defensive back.

Edwards is a 5-foot-11, 155-pound cornerback from Winter Park High School and resides in Winter Park, Florida. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 991 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 91 cornerback in the nation. He is also the No. 132 player in the state of Florida.

This wasn’t just an ordinary recruitment for the Illini. They were going up against some tough competition for Edwards’ commitment. The three programs that the decision came down to were Auburn, Louisville and Illinois. Beating the Tigers and Cardinals is a big deal considering how much success those two programs have had over the past decade.

What is Illinois getting with this big commitment from Edwards?

The first thing that jumps off the page is speed. Illinois needs playmakers and that is what Edwards is on the football field. His speed enables the Illini to use him in multiple roles on the team. He could end up being the Devin Hester of this program for four years.

In addition to the speed, the technique also has me excited about what Edwards can offer the Illini. He isn’t just a speedster who burns. This kid can form tackle with the best of the best. The ability to tackle is something Lovie Smith is going to love.

Edwards now gives Illinois five class of 2021 commitments. He is the highest-rated recruit on the board so far, but all recruits are somewhere in the top 1400. Look for the Illini to continue to add talented players in the coming months. This class is going to be the building blocks for the future.