Illini add speed with commitment from RB Norwood

Illinois coach Lovie Smith dipped into the state of Florida to land running back Jakari Norwood from Deefield Beach.

Ranked a 2-star prospect by Rivals.com Norwood committed to the Illini while on an unofficial visit to the school with others members of his high school team.

Norwood was the second commitment of the day on Friday after the Illini got a pledge from offensive lineman Jordyn Slaughter from Belleville (Ill.) Althoff.

Norwood and his teammates were in the middle of a Midwest swing, with stops at Notre Dame, Michigan, Purdue, Wisconsin and others.

Norwood saw what he needed to see at the stop in Champaign, making a commitment to the Illini.

"I really liked the coaches and the environment, and it felt like home," Norwood said. "They showed me around campus, and I got to meet all the coaches. I liked everything about it."

Illinois now has five commitment in the class of 2018 with the additions of Norwood and Slaughter on Friday. Norwood was recruited by running backs coach Thad Ward.

Norwood adds speed to the roster.

He's consistently been clocked at under 4.5 in the forty and he runs track at Deefield Beach, participating in the 100m and 4X100.

Versatility and the ability to contribute on special teams are two pluses.

"Coach Ward has shown me a lot of love," Norwood said. "He came down to our spring game. He said I can return punts and kicks, and be a big addition to the team."