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- ANDY GALLIK and his family had already bought the plane tickets. So, they weren't going to skip all of the trip to Minneapolis. Just the part that included a visit to the Minnesota campus.
The Chicago Brother Rice offensive lineman gave a commitment to Illinois earlier in the week, picking the Illini over Minnesota and Boston College. He had planned a trip to check out TIM BREWSTER's program, but called it off.
So, instead of touring TCF Bank Stadium with Brewster, Gallik and his family went fishing and to the Mall of America. He told the Minnesota coaches he wouldn't be visiting and making his commitment call to RON ZOOK.
"I didn't want to waste their time," Gallik said. "They understood."
Gallik grew up rooting for Illinois. His favorite former Illini is current New York Giants lineman DAVID DIEHL, a former Brother Rice player who has become a millionaire in the NFL.
Brother Rice coach STEVE NYE said Gallik has the same work ethic that helped Diehl become a star.
The reaction to his college choice has been positive, Gallik said. He was flooded with messages and phone calls.
"It's been unbelievable," Gallik said. "I'm really glad I'm going to Illinois."
- One guy (NATHAN SCHEELHAASE) is already on campus. Another (DEXTER McDONALD) has made a commitment. And there could be a whole bunch more Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst players on the way.
"The best is yet to come, to be honest with you," Rockhurst coach TONY SEVERINO said. "I've probably got six or seven D-I players in my sophomore and junior classes. Nathan will be Illinois' best recruiter if everything goes right for him, especially around here. These young kids just idolized him."
Defensive back McDonald picked Illinois over Missouri and Kansas. In 2010, he will join quarterback Scheelhaase, who is entering his freshman season with the Illini.
McDonald said he would have considered Illinois with or without Scheelhaase on campus. Having his friend already in place is a bonus.
"We're real close friends," McDonald said.
McDonald is new to football, waiting until his junior year to join Severino's team.
"His best football is still way ahead of him," Severino said. "He's getting better by the day."
An early, "no pressure" offer from Illinois appealed to McDonald. A visit with his family helped seal the deal.
"Six hours, to my mom, that was a little far to her," McDonald said. "She really wanted to go down there and see it and see if it was as good as I said it was. Same for my father. Once they saw it, they were both pretty happy about it. They liked it as much as I did."
Playing at Rockhurst will be good preparation for Illinois, McDonald said.
"Coach Sev took me from where I was and he was patient with me," McDonald said. "He took the time to help me and show me the ropes."
- Former Illini J LEMAN thinks the Illini might have found the perfect spot for MARTEZ WILSON. And he's plenty familiar with middle linebacker responsibilities in RON ZOOK's defense.
"I think it's going to be a good move for the team," said Leman, who is competing for a spot with the Carolina Panthers. "He's probably the physically most gifted linebacker we've had in a while. I don't think you're going to get any argument to that. But physically gifted doesn't always translate immediately on the field. These first two years, he's grown up a lot on the weak side. And this year, he's going to be ready."
- Former Illini defensive lineman D'ANGELO MCCRAY is academic ineligible at Eastern Illinois and won't likely be with the team in 2009. McCray transferred to the Charleston school before the 2008 season and played against the Illini at Memorial Stadium.
- Former Iowa quarterback and New-Gazette All-State Player of the Year JAKE CHRISTENSEN could end up at Eastern Illinois. Christensen is completing his course work at Iowa and will need a waiver to play with the Panthers in 2009. Christensen was ousted as the starter at Iowa by RICKY STANZI and decided to complete his eligibility elsewhere.
- Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, a football power during the KEN LEONARD era, is sending another player off to college. Offensive lineman MARLANDEZ HARRIS has given a commitment to Indiana. He picked the Hoosiers over Louisville, Purdue and others.
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