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Illinois adds versatile receiver

MJ McGriff
MJ McGriff

MORE: Illini making one last push | Illini commitment list

Illinois added quickness and versatility to their roster with a commitment from Vera Beach (Fla.) receiver MJ McGriff.

The 5-foot-9, 177-pound McGriff was on campus in Champaign this weekend for an official visit when he made his commitment public. He talked about why Illinois was his choice.

“It was the straight-forwardness of the coaches and the academics,” McGriff said. “The alumni base and being a top ten public institution; that really popped out to me.

“It’s not all about football for me. I have to get a job after that, and Illinois will put me in that position. The academics are just crazy with all of the resources you have.”

The Illini offered McGriff earlier this month while on a recruiting swing through the Sunshine State, with offensive coordinator Ryan Cubit heading up the recruitment.

According to McGriff, he already knew coming into the visit that he would likely commit to the Illini, but the visit closed the deal.

“I got along really good with the players on the team,” McGriff said. “The Florida players on the team have a really strong bond. They take the recruits in and show us a good time.”

On his high school team, McGriff played receiver, running back, and quarterback in the wildcat set, while also returning punts and kicks. As a receiver, he posted 64 catches for 840 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior.

McGriff envisions the same kind of do-everything role for the Illini.

“They are talking about the slot, punt returns, kick returns, and being in the backfield,” he said. “They are going to use me a lot.”

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