Illini keep Milan in-state

Chicago (Ill.) Al Raby defensive tackle Jamal Milan took four official visits and waited until National Signing Day to decide that he would continue his career in his home state.

"After sitting down with my family and coaches I've decided I'm going to take my talents to the University of Illinois," Milan reported.

Milan had several favorites throughout the course of his process. Iowa State, Indiana and Minnesota each hosted him for official visits and held a place atop his favorites list at one time or another. His last visit, however, went to Illinois the weekend of Jan. 23 and that's where he found his fit.

"I wouldn't say I picked the school just because that was my last visit," Milan said. "I have been close with this school since the beginning of my junior year. They have been a school that has been sticking around and I just felt so comfortable around them."

Milan's mother accompanied him on his official visit to Illinois, and they satisfied one of her top requirements.

"With the University of Illinois, I feel their education is really high," Milan said. "My mom always says 'school before sports,' and I feel like I have a full-ride to play football, but I also have a full-ride to get a degree."

Leading into this decision, Milan said his relationship with the other commits in the class would be an important factor, and he has grown to know several of the Illini's incoming freshman.

"Pat Nelson, Julian Jones, Gabe Megginson and Sean (Adesanya), I just got cool with him and we've been talking for a minute," Milan said. "You want to know who you're coming in with, who you are actually going to be playing next to and who you're going to be going to war with. With those recruits I knew, I feel like we built a bond."

After making his decision, Milan reflected on the opportunity to represent his home-state school for the next four years.

"Every kid isn't blessed to get an offer from their home state," Milan noted. "I have always said I am blessed to even be in this (situation) and have these opportunities. To play for your home (school), who wouldn't be fired up about that? Who wouldn't want to play for their home state? Just thinking about it gets me fired up."

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Milan is ranked as a three-star prospect, the No. 45 ranked defensive tackle in the 2015 class and the No. 14 player in the state of Illinois.