4-star WR Malik Elzy commits to Illinois: 'Why not stay in-state?'

Chicago Simeon four-star wide receiver Malik Elzy originally committed to Cincinnati on July 15 before backing off his pledge to the Bearcats on Oct. 18. Elzy felt like he “made the wrong choice” in choosing Cincinnati, which led to his decommitment.

Following that decision, Elzy patiently waited to see which schools wanted and needed him the most. Illinois continued to show heavy interest in him, which turned out well for the Fighting Illini. Elzy committed to Illinois during Saturday’s All-American Bowl over Michigan, Notre Dame, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

“Really just since day one, when (wide receivers) coach (George) McDonald and (head) coach (Bret) Bielema started recruiting me,” Elzy told On3 about why he chose the Fighting Illini. “They recruited me and my family really well. They texted me every day and made sure that they showed me I was a priority to their school and if I come in, I could help them big and change the program by staying in-state.”

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound wideout came to his decision after discussions with his family and coaches. Location was not originally a key factor for Elzy, but playing college football in The Prairie State excites him even more.

“Why not stay in-state?” said Elzy, the No. 321 overall prospect and No. 44 wide receiver in the 2023 On3 Consensus. “Why not keep the talent in-state and help build the team to become like the Miami‘s or Georgia‘s or Alabama(‘s)?

“Coach Bielema is building something special in Champaign.”

According to the four-star wideout, people should “watch out for Illinois cause we’re coming up.”

Throughout his recruitment, the Fighting Illini’s staff showed Elzy where he fit in the offense and how he would be used. They also shared he could have a chance to start during his freshman season.

“Illinois, as you see, the run game is something special that they’re building, but they just need that outside receiver or receiver to go make a play on a third down or go make a big catch, a big play,” Elzy said. “I feel like that’s why I come in as an outside receiver, as a big play receiver. When they throw the ball up, it (isn’t) 50-50 with me.

“So that’s what I feel, I come in and help the offense. The new offensive coordinator, coach Barry Lunney (Jr.), I feel like he’s got something special planned and this offense that we(‘re) gonna start running when I get there, it’s gonna be taken to the next level.”