Tyler has scholarship offers from California and Army.

A very important recruiting week is just about underway for Lovie Smith and Fighting Illini football. Three-star running back Clavin Tyler Jr. (TX) is slated to be the first of many unofficial visitors, and he’s expected to be on campus Wednesday afternoon. The Texas native is the No. 1403 player in 247Sports’ class-of-2017 composite rankings.

Tyler currently holds a dozen Division-I scholarship offers; his list includes California, Army, Fresno State, and Louisiana Tech. Though slightly undersized, the 5-foot-9 back could help fill a big need on the roster. Illinois has recently seen three-star targets Chase Hayden and Malik Williams commit to Arkansas, so the staff has been forced to look elsewhere for backfield depth.

Additionally, Illini Inquirer’s Jeremy Werner confirmed the program’s big on-campus recruiting event this Thursday. A few dozen of Illinois’ top 2017 and 2018 targets are expected to be in attendance for a barbecue/meet-and-greet with the coaching staff. Ideally, the Orange and Blue will receive a couple verbal commitments before everyone heads back home.

Calvin Tyler Jr. Highlights