Illini visit clouds Benns choices

Washington (D.C.) Dunbar wide receiver Arrelious Benn took what could be his last official visit to Illinois this past weekend. The nation's No. 2 wideout has long been linked to Notre Dame as a heavy lean, but his most recent trip has confused things.

"The visit was good," said the 6-foot-2, 210-pounder. "I was hosted by Vontae Davis who was a teammate of mine at Dunbar and there were a ton of D.C. and Maryland guys on the team. They kept us together and spoke to us about all of us going to Illinois to make them a Big Ten champion."

Benn was on the visit with fellow D.C. standouts Marvin Austin, Romale Tucker, Lamar Milstead and teammate Nathan Bussey.

"We had a good time, everyone was cool," said Benn. "I mainly focused on the passing game of Illinois. Juice (Isiah Williams got his first start and he looked good. He has a great arm, he just needed some help from his wide receivers. There were a lot of drops. I know I could make an impact right away there and that's what I like."

Benn has been linked with Notre Dame for quite some time and hinted at a possible decision following his Illinois visit. However, he's more confused than ever after the trip.

"I don't know what I'm going to do," he said. "The visit really impressed me and I don't really know when I'll decide. I'm going to relax for a few weeks and focus on the season now. I still might take another official visit before I decide but I have time. I'd really like to get the process over with, but I don't know where I want to go yet."

And is Florida State, another school he's long been interested in, still in the picture?

"I'm still thinking of taking a visit," he said. "But I don't know. It could be FSU or Maryland or no one, right now I don't know."

Benn's recruiting coach at Illinois is Mike Locksley, a big reason for his interest.

"Coach Locks is a good guy and he's a local, he knows what D.C. kids are like and he relates to us. I'd be comfortable with him," said Benn. "And as the offensive coordinator he said he'd be sure to get me the ball because he needs playmakers."

When pressed to name a leader, Benn still couldn't do it.

"Honestly, I don't know," he said. "This visit has mixed everything up."