Top Receiver Mario Sanders Officially Signs With Illinois Fighting Illini
The Illinois Fighting Illini has to find a replacement for receiver Isaiah Williams, who is set to enter the NFL draft.
The Illini may have a potential suit in Iowa Central junior-college receiver Mario Sanders, who officially signed his national letter of intent Wednesday. Last year Sanders had 925 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also rushed for 76 yards, retuning two kicks for scores.
He was a first-team all-conference selection and chosen as the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference player of the year. He helped lead Iowa Central to a 6-4 record.
The Illini will have to make up for the loss of Williams, who declared early for the draft. Last year he had 1,055 yard and led the Big Ten with 82 receptions. His yardage total was second only to Ohio State's Marvis Harrison Jr., who expected to be a top five draft pick.
The Illini’s receiving leader racked up a total of 1,055 yards this season — putting him among a very exclusive seven-player group in program history.
On top of that, Williams finished first amongst the Big Ten in receptions (82) and second in receiving yards only behind Heisman candidate Marvin Harrison Jr.
. "Mario Sanders, Mr. Utility," Illini receivers coach George McDonald said. "Line him up in the backfield. Line him up in the slot. Line him up as the No. 1 receiver, he's going to put the ball in the box. Very fast, very dynamic. Once again another humble kid. I can't wait to coach him."
Shandel Richardson is the publisher for Illini Now. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com.