While the Fighting Illini await a decision from three-star offensive lineman Howard Watkins, another one of the program’s recruiting targets opted for a different school on Monday night. Three-star defensive back Quran Hafiz (FL) gave a verbal commitment to Indiana, picking the Hoosiers over Illinois, Nebraska, and Iowa State. The Jacksonville native is rated as the nation’s No. 858 overall player by 247Sports.
Hafiz holds additional Power 5 scholarship offers from Minnesota, Oregon State, Boston College, Duke, N.C. State, Purdue, Syracuse, and Virginia Tech.
My Recruiting Is Officially Closed! #IUFB ⚪️ ⚪️✍️️ pic.twitter.com/Jhbc3Kqht3
— Quran Hafiz ❗❕ (@__Quran4) December 20, 2016
“After long thoughts and consideration I finally made my final decision, it was truly a great experience going through the recruiting process and I’m blessed I was able to do it. I want to thank all the schools & coaches who offered me to play football for them! This game brought so many opportunities in my life and I can’t be more thankful. I prayed on this a lot and God sent me the right signs to make this decision. I just signed my financial aid papers to enroll into school on January 6 at Indiana University. #GoHoosiers”
Hafiz’s commitment ceremony even featured a Cliff Alexander-esqe hat trick to fake out Iowa State fans. Although, there are rumors circulating that the Cyclones — along with Illinois and Nebraska — pulled their scholarship offer, so it may have been a completely moot statement as a result.
Signed My Financial Aid Papers to Indiana University ⚪️ ⚪️ ⚪️ pic.twitter.com/j277r1nK8K
— Quran Hafiz ❗❕ (@__Quran4) December 20, 2016