Bret Bielema’s in-state recruiting promise continues to shine through, as he offered Rochester’s Hank Beatty from the 2022 class.
It’s safe to assume that there has been a culture shift from within the depths of the Illinois football program. Upon Illini head coach Bret Bielema getting hired last month, one of his main focuses during the team’s rebuild was stressing the important emphasis on in-state recruiting. This idea is no more evident than Bielema’s most recent offer to Hank Beatty from the 2022 class.
Beatty attends Rochester High School in Rochester, Illinois, and was a part of the Class 5A state championship team from 2019. Unfortunately, the three-star wide receiver has been unable to duplicate the same success in 2020.
The IHSA has put its high-risk sports on hold, which include football and basketball, until at least January 27. Only time will tell if Beatty will be able to continue his winning ways in the midst of the pandemic.
After a great call with @BretBielema and the Illinois coaching staff, I’m excited to announce I have been given a scholarship to play for University of Illinois. Thankful for the opportunity!! #illini @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/pRB0cWbnJC
— Hank Beatty (@BeattyHank) January 10, 2021
Including the Illini, Beatty has been getting a plethora of looks from across the country. Iowa State and Central Michigan are just two of his six offers, as his focus has been primarily Midwest-based. With another season looming, that will likely change, as he is currently rated at No. 21 for his age category in Illinois.
What would Hank Beatty bring to Champaign?
With Bielema’s clear vision on homegrown talent, Beatty would qualify as an excellent fit for a program that continues to search for its identity.
From his highlight tape, which can be viewed below, Beatty has shown that he can play multiple positions on the offensive side of the ball and turn on the jets when appropriate. If the Illini want to become a prolific offensive attack and score a boatload of points, Beatty could become the ace in the hole to answer the call in Bielema’s system.
Although it is still early in Beatty’s recruitment, it is imperative that the coaching staff remains aware of one of the state’s brightest young prospects for years to come.