Illini Add Dynamic Guard in 2022

By Kedric Prince – IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting
July 13, 2021

For the second straight week, Illinois adds a dynamic guard to their 2022 recruiting class. After missing on several transfers in recent weeks, the high school market remains hot for Illinois. Assistant coach Chester Frazier once said, “This is Illinois, one of the elite programs in the country. We’re looking for tough kids who want to be here and help us win championships.”

Today, 4-star guard Jayden Epps pledged to the orange and blue, after another 4-star guard - Sencire Harris from Akron, Ohio - gave his commitment last week.  The 6-foot-1, 180-pound guard from Suffolk, Virginia is a top 60 prospect nationally and a prospect who many consider to be one of the toughest players in the entire class of 2022.

Why Illinois: Epps Says - "Illinois is a great school. I have a great relationship with the coaching staff. Me and Coach (Chester) Frazier and (Coach) Underwood have a great relationship. I loved the campus and it's an overall great school. I just feel like it's a great fit for me."

Other offers included Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, NC State, Pitt, Providence, Virginia Tech, Maryland, Penn State and St. Louis.

Kedric’s Assessment:  Jayden Epps was on Illinois radar from the first day assistant coach Chester Frazier took office. Epps is a clone of Frazier with his mental toughness to the game, but Epps is much more offensive minded. Epps has play-making ability to make those around him better and oftentimes forces his teammates to elevate their game. He is a matchup nightmare because once he is able to get past his defenders and put them on his hip, he will score in traffic, either hand, dunk, make the play for a teammate and put them in the easiest way possible to score. Epps does not show emotion; he is fearless. This is a big-time recruit for Brad Underwood and the Illini.

Sturdy's Breakdown:  Epps is a dynamic guard that can really score it and is now becoming a true playmaker. He can shoot it, but his passing is also excellent. His passes were on time and he made good decisions. He is an excellent finisher, especially at his size. He’s also very good at moving his feet defensively and is very disruptive.

Please follow us on Twitter @KedPrince4 and @sturdy32 .

PrinceKedric@yahoo.com

Podcasts

Illinois Fighting Illini Win 87-40 in a “CritterKill” over UMES - #430

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Execute a Huge 2nd Half Rally to Defeat Rutgers 38-31 - #429

Listen

Nov 22 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4Ep15

Listen

Nov 22 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4Ep15

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Fall 100-87 to Alabama Crimson Tide #428

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini at Rutgers Scarlet Knights Football Preview #427

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - Looming B1G vs SEC Battle, Deion Roster Strategy, Indiana Genius Move, Illini Trending Up, Hire Better & B1G FB Tiers

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Michigan State Spartans 38-16 - Post Game Analysis #426

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Michigan State Spartans 38-16 - Instant Take #425

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Oakland 66-54 Post Game Analysis - #424

Listen

Michigan State Spartans at the Illinois Fighting Illini Football Preview #423

Listen

Heat Checks & Hail Marys - How Long Will B1G & SEC Play Nice, Illini Hoops Update & B1G Football Tiers

Listen

Illinois Fighting Illini Defeat Southern Illinois Edwardsville 90-58 #422

Listen

Nov 8 Weekend - Hour 1 - S4Ep13

Listen

Nov 8 Weekend - Hour 2 - S4Ep13

Listen