Walker commits to Illinois
Oswego East defensive back Antwain Walker saw his recruitment take off quickly after his junior season.
Now college football is a reality for the 6- 1, 170- pound senior, who committed to Illinois on Tuesday.
“I have made my final decision. I will be continuing my football and academic career at the University of Illinois,” Walker announced on Twitter. “I would have never of thought ten years ago that this day would come around.’’
Walker also had offers from North Dakota State, Indiana State, South Dakota State and Western Illinois.
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith was the one that called to extend the offer.
“Lovie called me to offer me,” Walker said. “When he called I was just honestly thinking and hoping that he would hurry and finish so I could commit.”
It wasn’t until high school that Walker realized his potential.
“Freshman year came around and I decided I wanted to play football,” Walker said. “And now here comes going into my senior year making the biggest decision of my life. The game of football changed my life tremendously.”
Walker was impressed when he attended camp in Champaign.
“I just felt at home when I went down there. I love the coaching staff. It was just the right fit for me,” Walker said. “They treated me well when I was there. Also, they have the most ex- NFL coaches on staff.”
Illini coaches were impressed with Walker, who is long and ath- letic.
“They said they loved my speed, length and physicality,” Walker said.
Stock rising
Solorio senior quarterback Quincy Patterson added an invite to Nike Football The Opening’s finals competition after a big showing at the Elite 11 finals in Los Angeles.
Patterson, who is committed to Virginia Tech, is one of 12 athletes who will compete this summer for the Elite 11 crown. And he is the first Hokies commit to compete in the finals since Tyrod Taylor.
Waubonsie Valley senior tight end Charles Robinsion received his first Big Ten offer from Minnesota. Robinson’s stock continues to rise after a big offseason. The versatile 6- 4, 215- pounder has the ability to play either receiver or tight end.
Another athlete that has seen his stock rise is Glenbard North defensive back Josh Flowers, a standout performer for the Midwest Boom, the top 7- on- 7 team in the area.
Flowers, who was named defensive MVP at the Boom spring game, received his first offer from Illinois State.
Follow me on Twitter @ Beth_ Long.