Recruiting Wrap

Mitchell Roberts planning Illini visit

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Wednesday, October 28, 2009 9:06 AM

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There's a downside to playing for a state powerhouse that's won five championships during the last 11 years. Shiloh (Ark.) Christian linebacker Mitchell Roberts has had to stand on the sidelines for almost every second half of the season as the Saints have run through its conference this season, outscoring opponents by an average score of 43-10 over their last five games.

"It's frustrating, yeah, because you'll see guys at the en d of the season have 150 tackles or 120 tackles, and we'll only going to play a half for a conference game," Roberts said. "So it's frustrating. At the same time, it's good because our second-team guys are getting reps and they'll have to step up for next year."

Roberts, a 6-foot-2, 240-pound middle linebacker, leads a tough Shiloh Christian defense. The 2008 defending state champion Saints (7-1) held Gravette to minus-54 yards rushing in the first half of a 48-9 win on Friday. The victory brought the team within one win of clinching the conference and homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

"I think we'll do just as well (as last year)," Roberts said. "I know we'll have a tough bracket (in the playoffs), but I think we'll play well."

Roberts has early scholarship offers from Illinois and Tulsa. SEC squads Ole Miss, Arkansas and Vanderbilt have also shown increased interest. Auburn and Kansas State have kept tabs on the Shiloh Christian standout, as well.

"I've actually been getting some different looks lately," Roberts said. "I'm sending out some film (Tuesday), I know schools have been asking for it. I'm trying to see what's happening with that. ...I'm just hoping to pick up a few more offers and see what happens. I've been thinking about it a lot and talking about it with my family. We're just trying to keep our options open."

Illinois was one of the first schools to heavily recruit Roberts, who still talks to the Illini coaching staff "quite a bit." The Shiloh Christian senior will visit Vanderbilt this weekend but hopes to make the trip to Champaign for their Nov. 14 game against Northwestern.

"I like Illinois a lot," Roberts said. "I had a great visit there whenever I went up in April. The main thing is they just want to see film to see that I'm the same player. Once they see that, I think things will be going well and I will go on my official (visit). I know we've talked about that, so that's what I'm hoping for."

Illinois has lost recruiting momentum after beginning the year 1-6, but Roberts said the Illini's disappointing start won't sway his decision.

"Every school has their rough years," Roberts said. "I know they expected more from themselves this year, but I know Coach Zook and all those coaches are great coaches. They're going to keep them motivated. They're going to keep fighting. It's just one of those things that you have to push through. I've always said the Big Ten is a tough conference. There's a lot of great teams there. Illinois is still a great team, they just haven't been playing like they wanted."

Roberts originally planned to make a commitment before his high school season ended but said he will likely push his decision date back.

"I'm not going to rush anything," Roberts said. "I don't have a specific time limit, but I'm planning on knowing for sure by signing day. I don't want to be one of those guys that holds out until signing day and makes the team wonder."

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