It was a great 2023 NFL Draft for the Illinois football program, and after the draft, things continued to get better.
Just because you don’t get selected in the draft doesn’t mean the road ends. For the Illini, there have been numerous players over the years who have had solid NFL careers without getting picked by a team.
Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito is trying to be the next Illinois player to have a nice long career at the next level. On Saturday afternoon, it was announced by the Illinois football Twitter account that DeVito had signed an agreement with the New York Giants after the draft had ended.
Heading to the @Giants!#Illini // #HTTO // #famILLy pic.twitter.com/HmFJtInwpf
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) April 30, 2023
Former Illinois football quarterback Tommy DeVito could be a sneaky signing for the New York Giants
I love to see Illinois players get picked up after the draft. It was a great move for the Giants to scoop up another quarterback option, especially one with so much talent and potential at the next level.
DeVito was actually a highly-rated recruit coming out of Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey. He was rated as a four-star recruit and ranked as the No. 327 player in the class of 2017.
Syracuse would be his first landing spot out of high school. In 2019, DeVito would have his best season with the Orange, throwing for 2,360 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also had a 63.2% completion rate that year.
If it wasn’t for injuries, I think DeVito has a great career at Syracuse. He would eventually lose the starting job due to injuries, and then for his final season in the college ranks, DeVito would transfer to Illinois.
In his lone season with the Illini, DeVito would put together a great campaign. In a running offense, DeVito threw for 2,650 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions. He completed 69.6% of his passes as well.
DeVito has a solid arm, solid accuracy, and a whole lot of moxie. As a free agent signing after the draft, it is hard to stick to the roster, but don’t be shocked if the Giants keep DeVito around. This kid is a talented quarterback and a great locker room guy.