Illini land Fla. safety
Orlando (Fla.) Lake Highland Prep safety Taylor Barton visited Illinois in late July. That trip was instrumental in his decision to go ahead and pledge his services to the Illini on Sunday.
"Well they were with me from the beginning and I loved everything I saw on my visit," Barton said with regards to his decision.
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Following that visit, Barton shared some of his thoughts on what he saw in Champaign, Illinois.
"My visit to Illinois was really nice," Barton told OrangeandBlueNews.com. "I liked the school a lot. Coach (Ron) Zook was great. I basically got a tour of the whole campus, and I thought the whole place was pretty impressive."
When Barton made his decision on Sunday, he delivered the news to Coach Zook. Needless to say, it was well received.
"Coach Zook is really excited about me," Barton said. "So is the defensive backs coach (Mike Gillhamer)."
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound prospect shared a few other reasons he opted to select Illinois.
"The academics are some of the best so that is also important," Barton said. "I think I fit in the Big Ten."
Barton selected the Illini over offers from Ball State, Elon, Syracuse, and Temple. While he is confident in his decision, he isn't completely done with the recruiting process at this time.
"With the schools I have now I might take some," Barton said of visits. "If I get any new offers during the season, I'll look at those too."
As a junior, Barton recorded 93 tackles, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.