Illinois hadn't landed a 2016 recruit in almost two months.
That changed on Friday.
West Aurora athlete Drake Spears orally committed to the Illini, becoming the fifth prospect to do so in the 2016 class and fourth in-state recruit.
Spears, a three-star recruit, chose Illinois ahead of offers from Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Connecticut, Miami (Ohio), New Mexico, Northern Illinois, Toledo and Western Michigan.
The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Spears is a two-way starter for West Aurora as a running back and defensive back, but he'll likely play in the secondary at Illinois.
Illinois outside linebackers coach Al Seamonson and Illinois co-defensive coordinator Tim Banks were the lead recruiters on Spears.