Illinois has landed its first in-state pledge of the 2022 recruiting class.

Saturday, the Fighting Illini received a verbal pledge from 3-star wide receiver Hank Beatty. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound prospect is a native of Rochester and becomes the first in-state player to commit to Bret Bielema’s squad, and the fourth commitment of the class.

“After long conversations with my family and coaches, I am extremely grateful to announce that I am committing to the University of Illinois!” Beatty wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to my family, coaches, friends, and everyone else who has helped and supported me along the way. Can’t wait to rep the orange and blue for a few more years!!”

Beatty held offers from seven other programs, picking Illinois over Air Force, Central Michigan, Illinois State, Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Southern Illinois and Western Illinois.

Per 247Sports, Beatty ranks as the No. 23 player from the state of Illinois. He’s listed just outside the Top 150 wide receivers in the 2022 class.

With Beatty’s pledge, Illinois is now up to four commitments in the 2022 class. The Illini rank No. 64 nationally and No. 12 in the B1G.