Charest is headed to the Big Ten

Matthews (N.C.) Butler quarterback Jacob Charest took his first official visit last weekend. The 6-foot-4, 192-pounder came back from the trip committed.

"I committed to Illinois on Sunday," he said. "I was up there on an official over the weekend and I told about three coaches including coach Zook and Bethard. They were excited. They had been telling me I was the only quarterback they wanted and I was the only one they had offered as a quarterback."

Clearly the visit was big for Charest. What pushed him to make the pledge?

"I spent a lot of time with coach Zook on this visit," he said. "I had visited over the summer, but coach Zook wasn't there for that trip. His daughter had something going on. This time I did get to spend time with him and the rest of the staff.

"It was amazing and awesome. It's a really family oriented environment and great atmosphere. I liked all of the coaches and they seem like they were really having fun doing their job. Having a coach that has fun is a great staff to be around."

It wasn't just the staff that impressed the three-star prospect though. He also likes the school and program.

"I know the football program is real strong," he said. "Their record didn't show it last year, but they played some good programs real close. I know they've got a lot of talent coming in and it's a very young team. I've seen the players they have and it's a great time for me to come in there. They are on the verge of being a great time.

"I also like the campus. It's a great place and a college town. Everybody in that town is all about Illinois. I went to the game over the weekend and it was raining, but the stands were filled up. It's great to have that kind of support behind you."

Have the coaches discussed where they see Charest fitting in down the line.

"There is definitely a possibility of me playing early," he said. "I know they have Juice Williams there right now. The coaches have said there's the possibility I can play early if I show them."

The No. 23 pro-style quarterback in the country is happy to have a decision behind him and believes he is done with the recruiting process.

"I'm really happy with my decision," he said. "Illinois is a great school and this is a very strong commitment. It would take something really big for me to decommit."