Bret Bielema’s hiring as the head coach of the Illinois football team has made an immediate impact in the transfer market.
Before Friday night, the Illini had already pulled in two players for the defense in Calvin Hart, outside linebacker, and Eddie Smith, safety. They also added two members to the offense in Max Rosenthal, fullback, and Chase Hayden, running back. Illinois wasn’t done there, though.
On Friday night, Jafar Armstrong took to Twitter to announce that he was also transferring into the Illinois football program. The Armstrong transfer is going to end up being one of the most impactful when it is all said and done.
Coming out of Bishop Miege High School in Kansas, Armstrong was rated as a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 471 player in the class of 2017. He was also ranked as the No. 69 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 2 player in the state of Kansas. Armstrong had a wide range of scholarship offers, including Illinois at the time. But the talented wide receiver ended up picking Notre Dame as his landing spot.
Committed 🤝 @IlliniFootball humbled and excited for the opportunity!! pic.twitter.com/pFuZGSPPFE
— Jafar (@jafararmstrong3) January 22, 2021
As a freshman, Armstrong didn’t see the field and took a redshirt. He then played in 10 games as a redshirt freshman and had 159 yards receiving, but he was mainly used as a running back, carrying the ball for 383 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Due to injuries, Armstrong’s production would decline from there. As a redshirt sophomore, he had 219 total yards and 1 touchdown. This past season, he would be limited to just four games and had 46 totals yards and 1 touchdown.
How will Armstrong improve the Illinois roster?
I think the talent is obviously there. Armstrong’s only issue is staying healthy, that is really the only thing to worry about. On paper, though, I think this kid is a great find for the Illini.
The wide receiver position isn’t going to be terribly deep in 2021, as Illinois lost some solid talent. Josh Imatorbhebhe departed the program and is trying his hand at the NFL. Casey Washington was a surprise transfer just a few days ago. He was going to be one of the main wide receivers next season. Trevon Sidney is also transferring, but he was hurt the vast majority of games while with the Illini.
Illinois does have some talent coming back. Brian Hightower will step up as the No. 1 wide receiver. I am excited to see what James Frenchie can do as well. But there isn’t a ton of depth at wide receiver.
In steps Armstrong. I would venture to say, if healthy, Armstrong is going to be likely starting at wide receiver from day one for the Illini. The combination of speed and strength is going to do wonders for this program. His game is very similar to that of Reggie Bush. If we can get a fully healthy Armstrong on the Illini for the next two seasons, then I think this team is going to win a ton of games.
Armstrong doesn’t just bring more depth at wide receiver, he brings athletic ability this Illinois football program hasn’t seen in a while. He is a great running back and wide receiver. This kid is a weapon that Bret Bielema is going to have a heyday with come fall.