Illinois Football to Host Wide Receiver Duo

Illinois Football to Host Wide Receiver Duo

Illinois Football has been moving quickly recently. In hopes of finalizing their class of 2023 before a very important weekend for the class of 2024, Illinois continues to host players that can immediately step onto the field. Most recently, they added Clayton Bush in extremely quick fashion. Additionally, they reportedly are hosting an offensive lineman from the JUCO ranks. As stated before, Illinois continues to make moves that would bolster their depth. They clearly want experience this year while also having multiple years of eligibility.

This time, they host a pair of skill players on the offensive side of the ball. 247’s Jeremy Werner reported that Illinois Football will host Jayden Dixon-Veal and Jamai East. The two are teammates at the College of San Mateo. Given the fast paced timeline in which Illinois has got them on campus, I expect them to try to close on both prospects.

Jayden Dixon-Veal

Dixon-Veal is a 6 feet tall receiver who holds offers from Oregon State, UNLV, San Diego State and UConn. During his sophomore year, Dixon-Veal had 24 catches for 272 yards. The 6 foot tall prospect will have two years of eligibility wherever he decides to play. Illinois would likely insert him into the slot where they are young and inexperienced outside of Isaiah Williams. Hank Beatty and Kenari Wilcher are intriguing prospects, however Illinois continues to pair with the theme that they should not be relying on players in their first or second year of college.

In his HUDL tape, Dixon-Veal seems to be a different piece compared to Pat Bryant and Casey Washington. Meaning that he is not the biggest prospect, however has plus-athleticism that gives him positional versatility.

Jamai East

East is a larger prospect than his teammate. He is 6 foot 2 and 215 pounds. East will be a physical presence that can spend one year developing behind Casey Washington and Pat Bryant. Given that Illinois will lose Washington after this year, East will seamlessly transition into that role once Washington graduates. East can also ease the burden on relying too heavily on true freshmen, Collin Dixon and Malik Elzy.

His HUDL tape does not have the explosive plays that Dixon-Veal shows, however East is a younger prospect who would have three years of eligibility. Regardless, having him as a depth piece behind Washington and Bryant would be beneficial to Illinois

Do they take both?

Illinois is hosting both players for official visits. Though it may seem odd to take two wide receivers at this point in time, they clearly have some questions about their depth. Oregon State is the only notable name after both prospects. The Beavers had a great year in the 2022 season and are adding Clemson QB DJ Uiagalelei. They have a legitimate sell, and are much closer to home for the two California natives. I do think Illinois will certainly land one, but I am interested to see how the staff approaches the recruitment.