Illinois Football: 2022 WR Jay Rockwell keeps Illini in top 4
The Illinois football team moved one step closer to landing a big-time pass catcher for 2022.
On Monday night, Jay Rockwell announced on Twitter that he had cut his top list down to just four teams. The four teams vying for his commitment includes Kansas, Nebraska, Texas-El Paso and Illinois.
Landing Rockwell would be big for any of these four programs. The 6-foot-3, 185-pound wide receiver is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 683 player in the class of 2022 and the No. 92 wide receiver in the nation. He is also the No. 91 player in the state of Texas.
Coming off a tough loss to Wisconsin on Friday, Illinois fans needed some good news. Landing in Rockwell’s top four is a great first step in landing him.
The size of Rockwell is obviously what stands out. Being 6-foot-3, 185-pounds at any level of football is going to make you a dangerous receiving threat. But there is more to the Texas native’s game, though.
Rockwell’s hands are right up there with his size. Snagging passes anywhere in his reach is his specialty. The quarterback does not need to be terribly accurate when throwing Rockwell the ball. This is going to help any team he chooses.
On the field, it does not seem like Rockwell is extremely quick, but the kid can glide around and slide past defenders before they know what hit them. He is sneaky fast and sometimes that is more dangerous.
What are Illinois’ chances of landing Rockwell?
I believe the Cedar Hill, Texas native has a good chance of landing in Champaign. The main recruiter for Rockwell is Illinois wide receivers coach, Andrew Hayes-Stoker. Coach Stoker has a great pull in the Lone Star State.
I also love our chances based on need at wide receiver. Illinois is losing a ton of talent at wide receiver after the 2020 campaign. There will be plenty of room for Rockwell to come in during the 2022 season and compete for snaps from day one.
Next. 3 adjustments for the Illini after Wisconsin loss. dark
Snagging Rockwell would be huge for the Illinois football team. We are one step closer by landing in his top four. Now let’s close the deal and continue building the wide receiver corps.