Focus '06 - Marques Wilkins (WR)

Illinois wide receiver Marques Wilkins is sure to get plenty of attention this spring. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound, speedster, from Decatur (Ill.) MacArthur already has one Big Ten scholarship offer. Wilkins told Scout.com which schools are at the top of his early wish list.

“Illinois is my only scholarship offer,” Marques Wilkins said.

“Iowa, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Penn State and UCLA have all been sending me hand-written letters.

“My favorites are Illinois, Notre Dame, Michigan State, Iowa, UCLA, Michigan and Penn State.”

Wilkins will be a three-year varsity starter in 2005. As a sophomore, Marques was used strictly as a defensive back and had four interceptions.

This past season, Wilkins had 12 rushing touchdowns, 5 receiving touchdowns and scored a few special teams touchdowns as well. He had 600 yards rushing and 600 yards receiving. All this was done in five games. Marques battled hamstring problems most of the year.

What makes Marques Wilkins a D-1 football prospect?

“I have speed (4.4) and I’m elusive,” Wilkins explained. “I get most of my yards after catch, I break a lot of tackles and most importantly, I’ve never ever been caught from behind.”

Marques Wilkins will be competing in the Scout.com combine on April 23rd in Champaign, Ill.

EXTRA POINT - I like Wilkins a lot. He’s got a great attitude and he also has a ton of potential. There are several top wide receivers in Illinois and the Midwest. Someone is going to be very happy with Marques Wilkins. Illinois is the team to beat right now. The Illini are thin at wide receiver and Wilkins could play early. Champaign is only a stones throw away from Decatur. MacArthur will have a new head coach this year and he’ll be looking to make Wilkins an even bigger part of the offense.