Illinois lands 2019 commitment from 4-star recruit Isaiah Williams

Head coach Lovie Smith and Illinois bolstered their 2019 recruiting class with a commitment from four-star recruit Isaiah Williams, the player announced Friday via Twitter.

Williams is ranked by ESPN as the 29th-best prospect in the 2019 class. Though he's listed as an athlete, Illinois plans to use him at quarterback, even though he checks in at just 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds.

New coordinator Rod Smith's run-based spread offense was a big part of what lured Williams.

"I love that offense," Williams told Joel Boyd of the Chicago Tribune. "That's how I've been playing my whole life, from little league up until high school. I've been playing fast. I love that challenge of getting to the next play quick."

Williams, a St. Louis resident, is no relation to Isiah Williams, who played quarterback for the Illini from 2006-09.