Illini lead the way for Cleveland WR
Cleveland (Ohio) Central Catholic wide receiver Jeremey Whitlow is off to a strong start in his senior season. The 6-2, 190-pound pass catcher has put his focus on leading his team this fall, but the time to address his recruitment is coming soon and Whitlow is ready to start making visits.
"I'm planning on going soon on visits," Whitlow said. "It might be Illinois that is the next one I go see."
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Illinois is one of five schools that have offered Whitlow. The others are Akron, Toledo, Youngstown State and Miami (Ohio) University. Whitlow does not plan to make his college decision soon, but the Illini have jumped out as an early favorite.
"As of now, it would probably be Illinois," Whitlow said. "They offered me in the springtime, around April or May. I like them and they like me... want me to come down there. I'm interested in them a lot and we'll just wait and see what happens.
"I like Illinois and it is big-time football. I want to play the Ohio State's and the Michigan's every week on that big stage and I just like the school in general. They've got a good Engineering program and that's what I want to go into."
Whitlow is being recruited to Illinois by assistant coach Joe Gilbert. Their conversations have confirmed the Illini's interest in the skill set he possesses.
"From me talking to him, I think they like the fact that I am a physical receiver," Whitlow said. "That's what they are looking for."
Illinois' closest pursuer in the race to sign Whitlow is Akron. The Zips have benefitted from a strong relationship with the Cleveland native and also their proximity to his home.
"Akron has a great coaching staff and I am real comfortable with those guys down there," Whitlow said. "It's close to home, so my parents would not have to come far to watch me play."
Although Whitlow has settled on a couple favorites, he plans to give each school that has offered him a shot before making his decision.
"I'm going to take my official visits, and then after that we will see what happens," Whitlow said.
Whitlow has contributed five touchdowns in five games this season for Cleveland Central Catholic. Four of those touchdowns have come via pass receptions, while one was on an interception return.