Brian Hightower saw limited action in his first two football seasons at Miami. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound wide receiver was behind the likes of K.J. Osborn and Jeff Thomas - among several others - on the Hurricanes' depth chart the past two seasons, creating few opportunities on the field. Hightower could see those opportunities blossom at Illinois. The Leimert Park, Calif., native committed to the Illini on Tuesday afternoon, announcing his decision via his Twitter account."I've been in the dark but I promise you'll see a brighter me," Hightower wrote above a photo of him in an Illinois uniform, along with the word committed in the background. After sitting out the 2020 season save for a possible change to NCAA transfer rules, Hightower will be in place for the 2021 season that will see Illinois lose Josh Imatorbhebhe, Ricky Smalling and Trevon Sidney from its wide receiver corps. Hightower is the third transfer to join the Illini this offseason after New Mexico State receiver Desmond "Drew" Dan Jr. announced he was transferring on April 9 and Wofford offensive lineman Blake Jerestay announced he was doing the same on April 11. - News Gazette Tribune