Recruiting Wrap

Gallik 'surprised' by Memorial Stadium experience

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Friday, September 25, 2009 8:37 AM

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Andy Gallik saw two high-energy football games between Northwestern and Michigan State and Louisville and South Florida last year. But when he traveled to see Illinois play Illinois State, an FCS school, two weeks ago, the Illini commit expected the atmosphere to be less lively.

"I was actually surprised," Gallik said of his first gameday experience at Memorial Stadium. "ISU wasn't a Michigan or Michigan State or anything like that. I was surprised to see that it was almost sold out and everybody was into it and didn't leave the game early and cheered them on. That was really cool. I didn't expect to see that.

"The atmosphere was amazing. I know my parents and I had a blast down there with all the orange, the fans getting into and getting to see some of the players, as well. Overall, it was an awesome time."

Gallik, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound offensive lineman from Chicago Brother Rice, spent time with Illinois coaches, players and recruits during his stay in Champaign. He spent most of his day with a quarterback he will likely protect at Illinois, Downers Grove South's Chandler Whitmer.

"I've known (Whitmer) since last January," Gallik said. "I feel pretty confident with him (at quarterback). He was actually a small factor in my decision-making, knowing that I'll have a great quarterback to block for to make us look good up front."

Gallik said he stays in touch with most of the other eight Illini commits and that the Class of 2010 is already building a good rapport.

"Everybody keeps in touch," Gallik said. "It goes the same for the '09 class, as well. A lot of the guys get to know each other early and that really helps when we get down there and start playing with each other. The chemistry's going to be down there already."

Brother Rice fell to 1-3 with a tough 23-21 loss to highly ranked Providence Catholic last Friday. Gallik said he expects the team to bounce back tonight in its homecoming game against Gordon. The future Illini guard said he is a much more athletic lineman after working with a trainer on his lateral quickness during the summer.

Gallik said he "wishes" he could enroll at Illinois for the spring semster but that his Catholic high school does not allow students to graduate early. He said he does talk to his future position coach, first-year Illini offensive line coach Keith Gilmore, frequently. Gallik expects to make more Illinois home games, including the Michigan State homecoming game. He's looking forward to watching the Illini take on Ohio State tomorrow.

"I'll have practice Saturday morning, but that's not something I'll miss," Gallik said. "I'll be home watching."

So what odds does Gallik give his future team on pulling an upset in Columbus?

"Pretty good, honestly, because the last couple seasons we went there and beat them," Gallik said. "Every year, (Illinois) just steps their game up and just gives (Ohio State) a ball game."

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