Oklahoma receiver is no longer under the radar
Jenks (Okla.) wide receiver Isaiah Epps won’t be under the radar much longer.
Epps is putting together a monster season for one of the top teams in his state, and he was just rewarded with his first Power 5 offer from Illinois.
“I have 43 catches for 1,090 yards and 13 touchdowns,” Epps said. “I broke the single game reception yards record with 10 catches with 245 yards.”
Jenks takes a 9-0 record and No. 1 ranking into their last regular season game this Friday. MaxPreps ranks Jenks the No. 23 team in the nation.
Illinois offensive coordinator Garrick McGee recruits the state of Oklahoma for the Illini, and he notified Epps of his offer.
“It was huge,” Epps said about the Illini offer. “I heard about if from Coach McGee. He said he and Coach Smith watched my film. It’s my first FBS offer so it really means a lot that they took interest in me and offered me.”
A two sport athlete, Epps also suites up for the Jenks basketball team. He hasn’t had a lot of exposure to college football scouts until this season, which could explain his lack of offers at this point.
“Last year was my first year playing high school football,” Epps said. “Last year I didn’t’ play very much, and in the summer I only attended four camps. So I haven’t had that much exposure.”
On film, Epps is a big, physical receiver, long strider, and polished route runner. It’s just a matter of time for other Power 5 programs come calling.
“I’m going to North Carolina on Saturday,” Epps said. “I’ve been in contact with them. I’ve talked to USC along with Iowa State. I went to Oklahoma State, and to LSU for two games.
Epps said he grew up rooting for Oklahoma State and Texas A&M and he hopes to get interest from both. His older brother Carson Epps is a sophomore wide receiver at Iowa State, though Isaiah says he hasn’t had much contact with the Cyclones staff yet.
Two members of the Jenks squad are committed to Power 5 programs, both of whom were recruited by the Illini. Tight end Reese Leitao and running back Jordan Curtis are committed to Nebraska and Arkansas respectively.
“Those two guys are my best friends, so we talk about it every time we get new offers,” Epps said.
The next step for Illinois is to get Epps on campus for a visit. He's in no hurry to end his recruitment, however.
“I’m interested in Illinois,” Epps said. “Depending on the rest of the season, I could possibly make it up there for a visit. I’m going to wait and see what offers I get before I make a commitment.”