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Illinois adds commitment from 2022 safety Matthew Bailey

Wg0vf-nP_400x400by:Keegan Pope•01/23/22•

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(Photo courtesy of Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Moline (Ill.) Senior High safety Matthew Bailey has committed to Illinois, he announced Sunday on Twitter.

Bailey is a Class of 2022 prospect who held offers from Eastern Illinois, North Dakota, South Dakota and Western Illinois.

“I am thankful and extremely excited to announce my commitment to the University of Illinois. Sending a huge thank you to everyone who supported me on this journey.”

The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is the Illini’s 24th addition from the high school ranks in the 2022 class. Twenty-three of those are already signed with Illinois, as well as Bailey. Bret Beilema and Co. also have a commitment from junior college offensive lineman Zylon Crisler and six Division I transfers.

Bailey notched 802 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior.

“In all honesty, he’s probably the best football player that we’ve had here in decades,” Moline coach Mike Morrissey told the Quad-City Times this fall. “He’s an exceptional athlete and is successful on the field, but he’s just as successful in the classroom as well. He works hard. He’s really specific and detail-oriented. He’s earned every accolade.”

Illinois’ 2022 class ranks No. 57 nationally and No. 14 in the Big Ten, according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.