Recruiting Wrap

DJ Woods officially visits UI

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Monday, February 8, 2010 11:45 AM

Signing Day was five days ago but Illinois may not have completely filled its Class of 2010 quite yet.

DJ Woods, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end from Tampa (Fla.) Robinson, flew up to the UI campus an official visit on Sunday and toured the campus Monday. He could go home as the 21st member of the Illini recruiting class.

"He's real excited about the prospects of him getting the opportunity to play up there for the Fighting Illini and Coach Zook," Robinson coach Mike DePue said. "They flew him up, so I got a feeling something good, hopefully something good, will come of this. ...Hopefully they'll sign him to a letter of intent today or tomorrow. That's what I'm hoping for.

"I advised him if he gets an offer to go play up there, like right now."

DePue said he and Woods were surprised when the Illini called just days before Signing Day to show their interest in the Robinson standout, who has offers from Savannah State and South Dakota.

Woods would fill a huge need for the Illini on the defensive line. Glenbard South senior Austin Teitsma was the only defensive lineman to sign with Illinois last Wednesday, though McHenry senior Jake Howe could also play on the line.

Woods is a standout wrestler, as well, winning the district title las week despite dislocating his elbow weeks prior.

"He's a tough nut as well," DePue said.

Though the Robinson lineman only had offers from non-BCS programs, DePue is confident Woods, a late qualifier, belongs in the Big Ten.

"About four years ago, we were lucky enough to have a quality player named Javier Arenas. He's now an All-American (returner) at Alabama," Woods said. "Javier was in a very similar situation (meeting NCAA academic requirements late). Alabama came on like two days before Signing Day and offered him. It was stunning that he was going to go there because he had offers from Florida A&M, Florida International and Florida Atlantic.

"It's kind of a similar situation with DJ. I think he can be an impact player."

Comments