Securing the commitment of 2021 Enterprise, Alabama three-star running back Joshua McCray and adding North Carolina State Wolfpack transfer linebacker Calvin “C.J.” Hart, Jr., Tuesday has been a productive day for new Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema and his staff.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m. ET, the program received more good news, as defensive tackle Jamal Woods announced he will return for his redshirt senior season in 2021, sharing the development on his Twitter account.

https://twitter.com/jamal4425/status/1346521778777108480?s=20

A 247Sports Composite three-star prospect out of Hueytown (Alabama) High School in 2017, Woods has totaled 55 tackles (13.5 for loss), 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble during his Illini career.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, Woods’ returning presence will go a long way toward Illinois improving on their 230.1 rushing yards per game allowed in 2020, a mark that ranked 117th among Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs.