In-state WR Fabian McCray commits to Illinois

Illinois has added to its 2019 class and landed a quality in-state wideout with the commitment of Fabian McCray on Monday.

The Chicago Phillips wide receiver is a top-15 player in Illinois in 2019, and adds a nice outside element to a receiving unit that could be a real strength in the not-too-distant future.

Illinois has acquired some nice speed receivers with slot tendencies, but McCray (6-foot-1, 177 pounds) is the first legitimate outside threat. He's a nice jump-ball player who can high point a catch with his hands to make some difficult catches down the field.

He's not a burner, but he brings a lot of fight and tenacity to a unit that could use more players in that mold. Think Ricky Smalling. A receiver who creates separation at the line of scrimmage, and then can climb the ladder on fade routes and outside shoulder throws.

It's a nice step in the right direction in regards to in-state recruiting, as well, as Illinois has struggled recently to fight off the Northwesterns and Minnesotas of the recruiting world for top Chicago talent.

See for yourself:

McCray is the eighth commitment for the class of 2019, and the third player from Illinois committed staying home and coming to Champaign.