Illini land four-star Green

Somewhere along the way, Carmoni Green’s commitment announcement became a mere formality. The four-star wide receiver decided on Illinois more than a week ago, informed the Illini coaching staff on Sunday night and waited for Thursday to announce his decision.

With that, first-year Illinois head coach Lovie Smith had a four-star wide receiver in the fold.

“I liked everything about Illinois,” Green said.“I liked my visit, but I really liked how they recruited me. They kept pushing. They kept coming after me and telling me I could play early. I loved the campus. It was a feeling. It was just a great feel for me. I fit there.”

Of course, Green’s commitment to Illinois went beyond “feel.” The availability of playing time was a factor. As was the fact that the offense the program runs is nearly identical to the one used by Green’s Miami Central High School squad.

A toned-down learning curve played a part.

“It’s basically the same thing,” Green said. “It’s the same exact position for me and I think that’s a great opportunity to pick things up quick.”

Green plans to return to Illinois' campus in an official visit capacity for the Illini’s Nov. 5 game with Michigan State. And while the Miami-based receiver is looking forward to the actually game and the pageantry that goes with it, the chance to once again interact with the Illinois staff in person is what has him most excited.

“Coach Smith is cool.” Green said. “Man, he’s, like, a cool and calm guy. He has a soft voice and doesn’t really scream, but he still pushes players to work hard. He’s going to prepare me for the next level. He’s going to prepare all his players for that next level.”

Green has long since turned his attention to recruiting Florida for his future school. The featured target? His high school teammate, four-star defensive end Owen Carney, a prospect with a number of major scholarship offers.

Asked how Carney is taking to Green’s recruiting pitches, the wide receiver keeps things vague. His hard sell, it seems, is a work in progress.

“He says he was waiting on me to make the move the first,” Green said of Carney.

Green is the first four-star prospect in Illinois 2017 class. He joins Miami Southridge defensive back Antwan Collier on the list of Florida-based players currently in the Illini’s class.