Tommy DeVito is officially a member of the Illinois Fighting Illini. The Syracuse transfer quarterback, who announced his pledge to Bret Bielema’s squad in December, was formally introduced Thursday.

Illinois also shared a welcome message from DeVito to Illini fans.

“Illinois! Big Ten football – can’t beat it,” DeVito said. “New opportunity. Excited. Ready to go. I’m not the dude that’s very quiet in the locker room. Football is all about energy to me.”

A North Jersey native (a point of emphasis in his video message), DeVito arrives at Illinois after spending 5 seasons at Syracuse before opting to transfer to use his extra year of eligibility. Over the last 4 seasons with Orange, DeVito threw for 3,866 yards and 28 touchdowns, posting a completion percentage of better than 58 percent. DeVito’s best year at Syracuse came in 2019 as the starter, posting 2,360 yards and 19 touchdowns with just 5 interceptions, completing 63.2 percent of his passes.

In 2021, DeVito played in 3 games and completed 32-of-52 passes for 388 yards and a touchdown. He also logged 90 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.