Ron Hardge III signs with Illinois

Ron Hardge III signed with Illinois on Wednesday in the first day of the Early Signing Period.

Hardge announced his commitment in June via a tweet.

“First I’d like to thank God for this day, for He is good all the time!!! Next, I would like to thank my family for supporting me throughout this recruiting process. A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my Pops/Coach for preparing me to play this game of football. Would also like to thank all the college coaches that saw the ability and potential in me to play at the next level. Thanks to the entire Illinois coaching staff for this opportunity. Special thanks to my High School “Cardinal Gibbons”, high school teachers, coaches and teammates for pushing me each and every day on and off the field. Proud to announce that I will be verbally committing to the University of Illinois. #WeWillWin #FightingIllini”

A three-star defensive back, according to 247, Hardge has been vocal on social media in support of the growing brand at Illinois.

The Fort Lauderdale product had scholarships in hand from Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi State, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, and a host of other quality non-Power Five programs (i.e. Toledo, Western Kentucky, South Florida).

Continue following The Champaign Room for breaking news coverage of Illinois during the Early Signing Period.