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Illinois tight end Daniel Barker stole the spotlight at the start of the Illinois-Rutgers Basketball game Friday night.
Barker, a fourth-year junior, declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
In a tweet, Barker said Illinois made him a “better man and a better football player.”
Jeremiah 29:11 #LLMYANGELS pic.twitter.com/6pLV3rYw2Q
— Daniel Barker (@DB9_Era) December 4, 2021
Barker had a historic career for the Illini, considering the past two seasons were with former top prospect Luke Ford in the tight end room. He had a program-record 11 career touchdowns, and had a career day against UTSA in September with five receptions for 75 yards and two scores.
But how could you forget his game-winning catch against Michigan State to send Illinois bowling in 2019!
The Athletic says Barker is the 15th-best tight end prospect in the country.
A Florida native, Barker committed to Lovie Smith and the Illini over Kentucky, Pittsburgh and FIU.
Best of luck, Daniel!
And as we usually tweet!
BARKER! pic.twitter.com/1kePRx3uaB
— The Champaign Room & Haberdashery (@Champaign_Room) November 6, 2021