Illinois snags 2022 New Jersey kicker Will McManus

On3 imageby:Peter Warren10/20/21

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Princeton (N.J.) The Hun School kicker Will McManus committed to Illinois on Wednesday on a preferred walk-on deal.

McManus will join The Hun School teammate three-star tight end Owen Anderson on the Fighting Illini roster next season.

McManus was previously committed to Navy but decommitted on Sept. 20. Hours later, he received his PWO offer from Illinois.

Kohl’s Professional Camps ranks McManus as a five-star kicker and the No. 26 kicker in the nation.

“McManus recently competed at the 2021 National Scholarship Camp and he had his strongest showing,” Kohl’s scouting report reads. He scored 28 points on field goals and 114 points on kick-offs. McManus has reclassified and is now a 2022 prospect. He should be able to take advantage of the extra year since he is kicking at the five star level! He has shown good ball striking skills off the ground at multiple camps. McManus was able to hit well on difficult FG’s into the wind during the UC Challenge. His kick-offs have gotten better and he should continue to develop this fall as he heads into his senior season!”

Will McManus could start next season for Illinois

Senior kicker James McCourt is in his final year of eligibility for Fighting Illini and they will be in need of a replacement for the 2020 All-Big Ten honorable mention team member next season.

Will McManus could fill that spot.

The only other kicker on the roster is fourth-year sophomore Caleb Griffin. Griffin, who is listed as both a kicker and wide receiver, was 1-for-1 on field goal attempts last season.

He has not kicked a ball this season.