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New head coach Bret Bielema is starting to get comfortable on the recruiting trail.
On Monday afternoon, three-star quarterback Donovan Leary out of Sicklerville, N.J., pledged his allegiance to the Fighting Illini staff.
After long conversations with my family and coaches....
— Donovan Leary (@D_leary2) March 29, 2021
I have decided to commit to
THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS #famILLy22 pic.twitter.com/GZ2NaxdwCI
Leary is listed as a top-1000 player in the class of 2022 and held offers from Boston College, Buffalo, Central Michigan and Colorado State.
The Illini had just offered the 6-foot-3, pro-style gunslinger two weeks ago, so this recruitment moved rather quick.
Prior to his shortened 2020-21 season, Leary threw for over 3,000 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a sophomore, adding another three scores with his legs as well.
Leary joins offensive lineman Joey Okla, another three-star recruit out of Wisconsin, as the first two commitments in Bielema’s inaugural class.