Josh Imatorbhebhe Declares for NFL Draft

Josh Imatorbhebhe Declares for NFL Draft

Credit Source: University of Illinois Athletics

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Illinois WR Josh Imatorbhebhe announced Thursday that he is declaring for the NFL Draft. Imatorbhebhe has been the Illini’s No. 1 wide receiver for two seasons, catching 55 passes for 931 yards and 12 touchdowns.

“I’d like to thank all of my coaches, family, friends and most importantly, fans and fellow students for making my experience what it was at the University of Illinois,” Imatorbhebhe said in a statement. “My time here exceeded my wildest expectations and I leave here knowing that I am forever a member of the Illini Nation. Thank you for taking me in a year ago and giving me a chance to reclaim my dream. We made so many great memories for that, and to you I am eternally grateful. Without further ado, I want to announce that I am officially declaring for the NFL Draft. I wish the team and my brothers nothing but the best. I will always be a proud alumnus of this great university.”

Imatorbhebhe had 33 receptions for 634 yards and nine touchdowns in a breakout year in 2019. His most memorable performance was at Michigan State last season when he had 178 receiving yards and a game-saving fourth-down reception to help Illinois pull off the biggest comeback in program history in a 37-34 win.

Imatorbhebhe finished 2019 second in Illinois history in touchdown receptions in a single season (9), one behind the record of 10 set by David Williams in 1985 and Brandon Lloyd in 2001.

Imatorbhebhe leads the 2020 Illini in receptions (22), receiving yards (297), and receiving touchdowns (3).

He will not play in Saturday’s game at Penn State.