Illinois has always produced high-end defensive backs under head coach Bret Bielema, and the Illini have gotten their second elite ballhawk from Southwest Florida in as many cycles.
St. John Neumann safety Tyrone Howard Jr. announced his commitment to Illinois on Tuesday, June 23. Howard Jr. named the Illini over Wake Forest, North Dakota State, USF, and others.
The 6-foot-2, 165 pound rising senior is ranked as a composite 3-star and the No. 149 overall player in Florida by 247Sports. He three picks for the Celtics last year, along with five pass breakups, a forced fumble, and 29 tackles.
He’s the latest Southwest Florida defensive back to commit to Bielema and company and is set to join Cape Coral’s Almirian Thomas, who signed with Illinois last cycle, and Riverdale product Jaheim Clark who is going into his junior season. He’s the second player in Florida to pledge to the Illini this cycle along with Gibbs’ 3-star running back Steven Alexis.
With Howard Jr’s commitment, Illinois now has the No. 56 ranked class on 247Sports composite team grades.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: St. John Neumann’s Tyrone Howard Jr. commits to Illinois football
Reporting by Nick Wilson, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Naples Daily News
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By Nick Wilson, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
