2018 prospect Bacari Middleton of Grand Prairie (Texas) began talking with Lovie Smith and the Illini staff back in April, and he had been hoping for an offer ever since.

After a few months wait, the 6-foot, 188-pound safety finally got that offer, which is also his first from a Power 5 program.

“It was something I've been waiting a long time for and I feel if I go there it would be great for me,” Middleton said. “Coach Hayes-Stoker and I were talking recently, and he said they had a lot of interest in me and that were going to offer soon, so it was great to finally get that.”