MORE: Recruiting roundup

Illinois is the first Power 5 conference offer for speedy wide receiver Jaylond Adams from Adamsville (Ala.) Minor.

The Illini staff is looking to improve the overall team speed, and Adams is a guy who has big time wheels and home run ability in the open field.

A 5-foot-10, 175-pound slot receiver, Adams had been in contact with new Illini wide receiver coach Andrew Hayes-Stoker.

“He basically let me know they really liked me and want me bad, and they finally dropped the offer,” Adams said. “I think it's a great program that they’re building with a great coaching staff.

“It was a big offer for me.”

Rivals.com currently ranks Adams a 2-star prospect, but his film and his ability to make plays in space suggest a higher level athlete.

Adams put up big stats last season a junior, with 71 receptions and over 1,000 receiving, while adding 493 yards rushing. He talked about what the Illini staff and other college coaches like about him.

“I have amazing speed and I am a playmaker from multiple positions on the offensive side of the ball,” Adams said. “I’m also very coachable.”

With the Illini offer in hand, Adams wants to make a trip to Champaign this spring or later in the summer. He is getting attention from some other P5 schools as well.

“Recently I visited Alabama, and I have to set up the rest of my visits,” Adams said. “I’ve been talking to Virginia Tech, and there’s a strong possibility that they will offer me this spring.”

Currently, Adams plans to let his recruitment play out, with a final decision not yet in the cards.

“Maybe around signing day or if I feel like a school is a perfect fit and I feel it's the place for me I could commit earlier,” he said.