Illinois received a commitment heading into the weekend, this time from a three-star athlete out of Daytona Beach, Florida.

Theodore Lockley verbally committed to the Fighting Illini on Friday, becoming the ninth prospect in the 2021 class to pledge to Illinois. The 6-foot, 175-pound athlete posted his announcement on Twitter.

“I would like to thank all the coaches that took the time to recruit me and giving me a chance to pursue my dream of playing Division I football,” Lockley wrote. “With that being said, I am proud to say I am 100% committed to the University of Illinois!”

https://twitter.com/LockleyTheodore/status/1274013460410621953?s=20

Lockley was heavily recruited, receiving 34 offers. Illinois beat three other Power Five programs for his commitment, as Kansas, Rutgers and Boston College also showed interest in the Florida native.

During his 2019 season at the high school level, Lockley averaged 23.2 yards per catch as a wide receiver and totaled seven touchdown receptions. He was an All-Area first-team selection, according to 247Sports.

Lockley ranks as the 106th athlete in the 2021 recruiting class.

Illinois’ recruiting class during the 2021 cycle still ranks 14th in the B1G but has jumped to No. 62 nationally.