Illinois has received a commitment from three-star offensive lineman Jakai Clark (Grayson HS / Loganville, GA), according to 247Sports.

Clark (6-foot-3, 305 pounds) is the No. 12 center in the class of 2019. A former Auburn commitment, he chose the Fighting Illini over Arizona, Auburn, Cincinnati, Kansas, Louisville, Maryland, and several others.

“(Lovie Smith) pretty much told me that they want me, they need me,” Clark said. “He pushed playing time, his coaching experience and Rod Smith’s offense. He talked about hard work and just working to get to the things you want to get to. He told me that if you came in here and do the things that you need to do and you do them the right way, that you’re going to be able to get on the field.”

Clark becomes the first offensive lineman to commit to Illinois in the class of ’19, which now ranks 69th nationally and 13th in the Big Ten.