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Watch: Illinois top receiving target makes huge play in Under Armour All-America Game
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Illinois caught a glimpse of what it would be getting if Jeff Thomas decides to commit to Lovie Smith and the Illini.
Thomas, a four-star receiver from East St. Louis, Ill., made a heck of a catch, proceeded to break a few tackles, made some defenders look silly and found his way to the end zone in the second quarter of Sunday’s Under Armour All-America Game.
5'9 slot WR Jeff Thomas is uncommitted. He is a superb athlete that can make it happen https://t.co/8mZ7Uzei0m
— Gridiron Saturdays 🏈 (@GridSaturdays) January 1, 2017
That was easily the top play of the first half and helped Team Armour take a 17-10 lead into half.
Thomas is ranked as the second-best recruit from Illinois and is the No. 8 receiver in the country according to 247 Sports. In his senior season at the high school level, he caught 50 passes for 1,101 yards and 13 TDs.
RELATED: Why Jeff Thomas Dropped Alabama but Kept Illinois in Final Three
According to the website, Illinois is at the top of the receiver’s list, but is also considering Missouri and Michigan.
Illinois’ 2017 class is currently ranked 41st nationally and N0. 10 in the B1G. There are currently 17 prospects committed.
Adding Thomas would be huge for Smith and the Illini, who have yet to grab a four-star commit based on 247 Sports’ rankings.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB