Illinois adds key QB among new recruits
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois has landed a 20-player recruiting class that includes two four-star recruits. Among them is the player the Illini believe is their quarterback of the future.
Quarterback Aaron Bailey is considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and will likely replace Nathan Scheelhaase, who is entering his final season.
The 20 new players include a dozen defensive players and eight who play on offense.
The Illini are trying to add depth and talent to a team short on both last season. Illinois finished 2-10 in coach Tim Beckman's first season in Champaign. Rivals.com ranks Illinois' class 46th in the country and eighth in the Big Ten.
Illinois had already added five junior college players for the 2013 season.
Illini recruiting class
Aaron Bailey, qb, 6-2, 220, Bolingbrook (Ill.) HS
Dillan Cazley, db, 5-10, 175, Charleston (Ill.) HS
Jesse Chadwell, ol, 6-5, 260, Clarkston (Mich.) HS
Jarrod Clements, dl, 6-3, 275, Trotwood Madison HS, Dayton, Ohio
James Crawford, db, 6-2, 195, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Deerfield, Fla.
Caleb Day, db, DB, 6-1, 190, Darby HS, Hilliard, Ohio
Christian Dilauro, ol, 6-5, 270, Green HS, Uniontown, Ohio
Bryce Douglas, dt, 6-2, 330, Plainfield (Ill.) HS
Jaylen Dunlap, db, 6-1, 175, Crete-Monee HS, Glenwood, Ill.
Kendrick Foster, rb, 5-9, 190, Richwoods HS, Peoria, Ill.
Michael Hermosillo, wr, 5-10, 200, Ottawa (Ill.) HS
Merrick Jackson, dl, 6-2, 320, Althoff Catholic HS, Cahokia, Ill.
Paul James III, dl, 6-3, 240, Miami (Fla.) Norland HS
Darwyn Kelly, db, 6-1, 195, Woodson HS, Upper Marlboro, Md.
Darius Mosely, db, 5-11, 185, O'Fallon Township HS, O'Fallon, Ill.
Marchie Murdock, wr, 6-1, 180, Legacy HS, Arlington, Texas
Austin Schmidt, ol, 6-6, 275, Olentangy HS, Galena, Ohio
Dawuane Smoot, dl, 6-3, 230, Groveport (Ohio)Madison, HS
Dionte Taylor, wr, 6-0, 170, University School, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Tyler White, te, 6-5, 245, Plainwell, HS, Kalamazoo, Mich.