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Illinois Football: Illini commit Samari Collier has another big night

ByRees Woodcock|
COLLEGE PARK, MD - OCTOBER 27: Illinois Fighting Illini on the field before a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capitol One Field at Maryland Stadium on October 27, 2018 at College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
COLLEGE PARK, MD - OCTOBER 27: Illinois Fighting Illini on the field before a college football game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capitol One Field at Maryland Stadium on October 27, 2018 at College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***

The Illinois football quarterback room has some of the best depth I have seen in a couple of decades.

This quarterback room might not have their best piece, though. Lovie Smith and the Illinois coaching staff currently have 16 commitments for the class of 2021, one of which is quarterback Samari Collier.

Collier, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound dual-threat quarterback is only rated as a three-star recruit and checks in as the No. 1358 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 40 dual-threat quarterback in the nation. He is only the No. 212 player in the state of Texas as well.

Why do I keep saying “only”? Well, despite the low rankings that Collier has received, the talented quarterback is tearing it up for DeSoto High School in his final year with the program. He is proving the national rankings to be wrong, and he is doing it in a big way.

In week one against the Judson Rockets, Collier’s DeSoto team won 37-0 behind his 189 total yards and 2 touchdowns. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but things have only gotten better from there.

The following week against the Trinity Christian Tigers, Collier threw for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns while running for 156 yards and 1 touchdown. His combined 420 yards and 5 touchdowns propelled the Eagles to a 62-29 victory.

Last week, Collier went up against the Waxahachie Indians and came home with a 42-6 victory for his DeSoto team. In the process of the victory, Collier threw for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns while rushing for 71 yards and 1 touchdown.

Collier didn’t slow down on Friday night either. DeSoto headed to Mansfield to take on the Lake Ridge Eagles. This game wasn’t close from the start as DeSoto blazed to a 42-0 victory led by Collier’s five touchdown passes.


Putting up some big numbers in his final season with DeSoto, Collier is proving why he should be ranked as one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. This kid is going to be special at the next level as he is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in one of the best football states.

Illinois’ quarterback room is looking good as it currently sits, but it is only going to get better. Adding Collier is going to bring competition and quality to what is already looking like a great group of players.

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