Rochester native Hank Beatty reflects on development with Illini football

(WAND) - Illinois football has ramped up efforts to keep local high school stars in their home state.

Several athletes from the 217 are primed to play for the Illini in college following recent commitments. Many of them are likely learning from Rochester native and wide receiver Hank Beatty.

"It's something special [being] homegrown Illini," Beatty said. "Being able to be out here and put the block 'I' on my chest is something special."

Beatty was one of the top players in the state when he graduated with the Rockets. He helped lead Derek Leonard and his teammates to the 2019 state title and was named Illinois' Gatorade's Football Player of the Year in 2021-22.

The wide-out had a limited role in his first two seasons as an Illini, but last season became one of the best punt returners in the Big Ten. Now, he's primed to take a larger step in his career with larger roles.

"It's been amazing," Helen Kwong, Beatty's mother said. "I'm so thankful for the program and Coach Bielema. He's awesome. Just watching [Hank] mature has been a joy."

Beatty reeled in catches for 90 receiving yards in Illinois' Citrus Bowl win over South Carolina this past season.