Photo Credit: Illinois Athletics
Bret Bielema picked up a massive commitment on saturday from Chicago Simeon native, and 4-Star Wide Receiver Malik Elzy. Elzy is a big receiver standing at 6’3 and 200 lbs, who has the speed to get behind the secondary and make big plays happen.
Malik is the no. 305 recruit in the nation, the 43rd best wide receiver in the class of 2023 and a 4-star recruit according to 247sports.com. On saturday, January 7th, Elzy competed in the US Army All-American Bowl, along with future kicker David Olano. During the game, the spotlight was given to Elzy to announce where he would be spending his college football career, to which of course he chose the Illini in style.
Malik’s announcement was played for Illinois fans at Saturday’s Basketball game vs Wisconsin, in which the crowd erupted in applause and cheer as placed the bright-blue Illini hat on his head. A fun sight to see, as the Basketball Team also lead their way to a much needed win over the #14 Wisconsin Badgers. It feels as if the fan base can really feel the relevance that is being created by Josh Whitman and this Athletic program, and major kudos should be given where credit is due.
What Can Elzy Add to the Illini in 2023?
Immediate depth at Wide Receiver. With a strong frame, the ability to break up coverages with his speed, and create big time plays over the top, Elzy is the receiver Illinois has looked to add as a piece to its offensive arsenal. Along with redshirt freshman wide-out Shawn Miller, Elzy will almost surely see playing time for Illinois very quickly.
Even if he does not find himself in the starting unit immediately, he will be a major rotational piece that can add great depth to George Mcdonalds wide receiver room. Something the Illini have not had in quite some time is really quality Big Ten depth Having quality rotational players, especially at receiver matters so much in late season games where injuries have taken course, and you need to win big games with big implications. Situationally, Malik will be plugged in to be the guy that can go-up and get passes when mismatches are created, which will happen plenty when you are long, lengthy wide-out. Elzy could certainly be a major red-zone threat with back shoulder passes, and fade routes that could create some big time plays for the Illini offense.
Illinois struggled to score when inside the red-zone for the majority of 2023, and it would be a key addition if Elzy is able to make an impact as a true freshman. It’s never counted on of course, but with the departure of Brian Hightower to the transfer portal, it a nice opportunity for Malik to step up and prove himself early.
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