Rochester’s Beatty providing depth for Illini at receiver

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – Hank Beatty is proving to be a reliable option for Illinois football in the passing attack.

The junior had five catches for 53 yards in Saturday’s overtime win against Purdue. He caught a first down pass near the end of regulation which set the Illini up for a game-tying field goal to OT.

“He’s smart,” Illinois wide receivers coach Justin Stepp said of Beatty. “He can really play all three positions… He understands leverage. He knows what he’s good at and what he’s not and he does a good job of playing to his strengths and that obviously helps him get open.”

Beatty has seen the field in each of his three seasons in Champaign but his junior campaign has already topped his numbers from 2022 and 2023.

“[He] didn’t get a ton of opportunities early but when he does he gets in there and makes them count,” Stepp said. “A guy we trust to be in a bunch of different spots. Punt returner, wide receiver, doesn’t matter. Does a good job of showing up every day with a great attitude and working.”

The Rochester, Illinois native could be a valuable third option at wide receiver for the Illini, with Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin making up one of the Big Ten’s best receiving duos.

“It feels really good,” Beatty said of his increased role in 2024. “Took awhile, obviously past few years I was behind Isaiah [Williams.] Just had to come in and work every day. To be able to get an opportunity is huge for me, I think.”

The local kid played well in front of a group of young fans from his hometown as Illinois took back the Cannon Trophy.

“It’s awesome just to see Rochester out here supporting,” Beatty said. “I was in those same kids shoes when I was a little kid watching Illinois football. Just seeing the family, seeing everybody come out and support it was awesome to have that home feeling out here.”

Beatty missed the KU game but has racked up nine receptions for 121 yards in five games this fall. The 5-foot-11 receiver has also earned opportunities in the return game. He has 133 return yards on eight punt returns as a junior.

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