Illinois Football picks up two more in-state 2022 pledges

Make that seven commitments for Bret Bielema’s staff in the last month.

Henry Boyer out of Brother Rice in Chicago was the first of the day for the Illini, announcing his decision via Twitter on Thursday morning.

Boyer checks in at 6-foot-7, 250 pounds and is the second tight end commit for the Illini in as many days.

Illinois just offered Boyer less than two weeks ago and quickly closed on the deal. He is listed as a three-star recruit according to 247Sports and also held an offer from Kent State.

You can check out his highlights from this season right here:

Then, the Illini secured a nod from three-star Joliet Catholic Academy running back, Jordan Anderson.

Checking in at 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Anderson is a fringe top-1000 recruit according to 247Sports. Illinois offered him earlier this month, and just like the trend has been in April, Bielema and his staff continue to deliver on those in-state prospects. Anderson rushed for over 1,000 yards and 8 touchdowns in just six games this year.

All eight commitments thus far for Bielema’s 2022 class have now come on the offensive side of the ball, and Anderson’s commitment moves Illinois up to a top-30 recruiting class in the country. If that sticks, it’d be the highest rated recruiting class for the Orange and Blue since 2009.