Illinois Football Lands DB Amar Reynolds

Illinois Football Lands DB Amar Reynolds

Illinois Football continues its compilation of DBs from the state of Florida. Lovie Smith successfully started the trend of long, athletic DB’s from Florida. This trend actually worked for Illinois, since it landed players like Devon Witherspoon, Quan Martin and more. Bret Bielema and Aaron Henry seem to be continuing this trend. Antonio Fenelus is a new hire who is also adding his efforts to the mix.

This time, Illinois Football landed Amar Reynolds, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound from Vero Beach, Florida. Reynolds holds offers from Indiana, Charlotte, and Bethune Cookman. Reynolds is the second DB commit to the class of 2024. Vernon Woodward committed to Illinois last week after a brief commitment stint to Wisconsin.

Adding young depth

Reynolds does not have the recruiting profile that will wow anyone, however he has the typical traits of a DB from Florida. He has strong ball skills coupled with length and athleticism. The Vero Beach native will need to add bulk to his wiry frame, however he joins quite a deep and young defensive back room. Aaron Henry and the defensive staff added 5 defensive backs to the class of 2023 and 5 more prior for the class of 2022.

Committed!!💯 @VBFootball @BretBielema @coachyoyo_ @AaronHenry7 @Bryan_Cooney pic.twitter.com/HRSDO3HgvE

— Amar reynolds (@reynoldsamar2) June 26, 2023

That makes a total of 12 (and counting) defensive backs that Bret Bielema’s staff has recruited. One thing that sticks out about all of these additions is their ball-hawking skills. Additionally, all of these guys will have the opportunity to see the field on defense or special teams. Players like Matthew Bailey, Xavier Scott and more found their ways to the field despite not having a busy offer list.

Building Momentum

The Illini staff put the final bow on their class of 2023 with the addition of wide receiver, Alex Capka-Jones. The Illini were looking to add a JUCO wide receiver to the room for a few months. Two of their targets, Jayden Dixon-Veal and Jamai East, committed to other programs (Purdue and Oregon State). Capka-Jones came to work out during the Rising Illini Camp, turning it into an official visit and scholarship offer. He gives the Illini some experienced depth behind incumbents Isaiah Williams, Pat Bryant, and Casey Washington. With his size, there are going to be playmaking opportunities as well.

Feel good Monday with good news just starting….

🤷‍♂️🏈🤷‍♂️

— Bret Bielema (@BretBielema) June 26, 2023