Feb. 04--Illinois football coach Bill Cubit had one message for his staff as they tried to lure recruits before national signing day on Wednesday.
"We had to battle," Cubit said. "I told our guys swing the bat. Don't settle. Make sure you go out there and get great players. We battled some top notch schools and we go our fair share."
Illinois signed 25 players, a class that ranked No. 69 nationally and No. 12 in the Big Ten, according to 247sports.com.
Illinois football updates from national signing day.
11 a.m.: Three-star defensive end Tymir Oliver, out of Philadelphia, signed his letter of intent with Illinois.
He also considered Rutgers and Temple.
Illinois also signed three-star running back Tre Nation out of Alabama.
The Illini's attempt to sway Texas defensive lineman Myles Adams didn't work. He signed with Rice.
10:40 a.m.: Illinois received a ltter of intent from offensive lineman Doug Kramer, who played at Hinsdale Central.
10:02 a.m.: Illinois signed three-star cornerback Stanley Green, out of East St. Louis, Ill.
Green is considered a top-50 recruit in the state. He also considered Iowa State.
9:38 a.m.: Illinois lost two targeted recruits.
Offensive lineman Tre'Vour Simms, who had flip-flopped between Illinois and Missouri, signed with the Tigers on Wednesday. Simms is a three-star recruit from East St. Louis, Ill.
Two-star running back Devin Singletary, who was orally committed to Illinois, signed with Florida Atlantic.
8:50 a.m.: Illinois welcomed two more players who signed their letters of intent.
Linebacker Brandon Jones from Missouri, linebacker De'le Harding from Maryland and wide receiver M.J. McGriff out of Florida signed.
Harding, a three-star recruit ranked No. 23 nationally at his position, is considered a significant addition for the Illini.
8:40 a.m.: Illinois received a letter of intent from defensive back Harvey Clayton, out of Florida.
Clayton is a two-star safety who committed to Illinois on Monday.
His dad, Harvey Clayton Sr., played in the NFL for five seasons with the Steelers and Giants.
8:20 a.m.: Illinois received its first group of faxes this morning from recruits who signed their letters of intent on Wednesday morning.
The Illini welcomed linebacker Christion Abercrombie out of Atlanta, linebacker Jake Hansen from Florida, defensive back Evan Jones from Georgia, kicker Jake Cerny from Michigan, defensive end Izon Pulley from Maryland, offensive lineman Kurt Gavin from Mokena, Ill., tight end Griffin Palmer from Missouri, linebacker Ayo Shogbonyo from Texas, offensive lineman Eddy Fish from Massachusetts, wide receiver Dom Thieman from Florida, tight end Zarrian Holcombe from Texas, tight end Andrew Trainer from Virginia, offensive lineman Darta Lee from Texas, and defensive lineman Kenyon Jackson from Arkansas.
Illinois expects 25 recruits to make their pledges official on national signing day, and the Illini have space for about three more to jump on board.
The Illini have seen six recruits decommit but coach Bill Cubit and staff quickly found players to fill those voids.
Illinois has also welcomed three early enrollees: quarterback Eli Peters from Florida, defensive back Ahmari Hayes from California, and defensive back Trenard Davis from Florida.
