James Frenchie signs with Illinois

Another Cory Patterson connection.

James Frenchie, a four-star slot receiver from St. Louis, signed with the Illini today during the Early Signing Period. The Trinity Catholic Swiss army knife finished his career with 3,121 yards from scrimmage, including 1,489 receiving yards. Averaging a whopping 20.7 yards per catch with 18 touchdowns, Frenchie has some explosiveness to his game that few receivers have on the Illinois roster.

He can also be utilized as a return man, as he averaged a ridiculous 33.4 yards per punt return, and over 30 yards on kick returns as well.

Really, the only reason Frenchie didn't have bigger numbers is the amount of other mouths to feed offensively. Sharing a field with Mookie Cooper (junior year, at least) and Reggie Love, Demetrius Cannon and Isaiah Williams, there can be only so many times any one of those players gets the ball.

Frenchie committed to Illinois back in August.

This is an underrated get for this class. Frenchie's speed is unteachable. Get him into a college weight room with Lou Hernandez, and he could be the slot receiver Illinois fans have dreamt of. Speed kills, and the Illini are getting faster and faster.

Credit goes to Cory Patterson for using those relationships to lure in top talent from the St. Louis area.

Here are some highlights: