Chicago junior receiver takes in Illinois

Chicago (Ill.) junior wide receiver prospect Chris James (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) from Morgan Park High School made the University of Illinois junior day last Saturday, and James talks about his Champaign experience.

"It was just a lovely day overall," James said. "I had a really good visit, and I was impressed with a lot of things that Illinois has to offer."

James, who earlier last week received his first scholarship offer from the Illini, talked about what stood out to him on his Illinois visit.

"I think just the whole atmosphere in Champaign really impressed me. The coaches, including head coach Ron Zook and his staff seem to be very laid back guys and very easy to get along with, but they also have a plan to turn things around at Illinois and that's exciting. I also liked the facilities, and the indoor practice facility is great. I had a chance to talk with Coach Zook and Coach Locksley, and I really got along very well with them."

James also was impressed with the #1 ranked Fighting Illini basketball team's win on Saturday over Wisconsin.

"The basketball team is really an amazing team. The whole atmosphere in Assembly Hall was crazy, and it would be something to get that kind of atmosphere in Memorial Stadium for a football game. I think everyone in Chicago is really pulling for those guys to win it all this year."

James will also look to attend a few more junior day events soon.

"I received an invitation to a junior day at Purdue, and I'm planning to attend the Notre Dame junior day in a few weeks from now."