Illinois freshman MJ Rivers and Ezekiel Holmes told fellow Texas talent Kyron Cumby during his unofficial visit to Champaign that he needed to follow them from the Lone Star State to the Land of Lincoln.

“They love it,” Cumby told Illini Inquirer after his visit. “It’s just a loving atmosphere. Everything’s just nice.”

Cumby heeded their advice. The 5-foot-7 Plano (Texas) all-purpose back committed to Illinois just days after his unofficial visit for the Illini's Friday Night Lights Camp.

“I really enjoyed it," Cumby said. "I didn’t know what to expect coming out here, but they really got something special here.”

The second Texas commitment for the Illini in the Class of 2019, Cumby chose Illinois over offers from BYU, Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas, SMU and Washington State, among others. He is the Illini's sixth overall commitment in the Class of 2019 and the first to commit since late April.

Cumby is short, but Illinois loves the 3-star prospect's speed (he ran a 10.38 100-meter run in March) and his production (combining more than 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 35 total touchdowns during the last two seasons). The speedy playmaker fits the Illini's new spread offense as a player who can make plays in space. He also fits into the Illini's plans as a returner.

During his visit to Illinois, Cumby sat down with Illini offensive coordinator Rod Smith, who showed Cumby how he'd use him.

“I really enjoyed (Rod Smith),” Cumby said. “They have a plan. That’s what I really like. They really have a plan for me and a plan for the program and the future. They see me in the backfield but also in the slot. They want a lot of speed on the field. That’s what they’re building the offense around. It’s really interesting. They’re going to transform this program around and start recruiting fast guys and that Texas speed.”

Andrew Hayes-Stoker, who has landed some star players from Texas the last few recruiting cycles — including Bishop Dunne 4-star prospects Calvin Avery (2018) and Marquez Beason (2019) — has led the Illini charge for Cumby.

“You know, he’s a cool dude,” Cumby said. “He’s been hitting me up for months now and really just building a great relationship. Illinois is a great program. They’re just going to go up from here. All it takes is a couple commits to bring it back up.”

Cumby also had time to sit down with head coach Lovie Smith during the visit.

“Obviously, he’s telling me he wants me here, and I genuinely think he does,” Cumby said. “I’m really excited for the future.”

Beason, who has really tried to push more Texas talent to the Illini, helped sell Illinois to Cumby too.

“Marquez is a good player,” Cumby said. “He’s really started something here. People are really jumping on. He tells me there’s something here. Me visiting, I really see what he’s been talking about.”