Illinois a big offer for Smalling
Chicago (Ill.) Brother Rice class of 2017 wide receiver Ricky Smalling attended just one camp this summer, but it resulted in an offer.
Smalling made his way downstate to Champaign to attend Illinois's camp at the beginning of June.
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"After the camp I talked to Coach (Bill) Cubit, the offensive coordinator, and he (offered) me," Smalling said. "It was amazing and I was just relieved. I was happy because I played well so I thought I deserved it."
Ranked as the state of Illinois' No. 4 prospect in the early class of 2017 rankings, Smalling now holds two offers. Illinois will be a contender, but a decision is still a long way off.
"(Illinois) is up there, but my options are always open," he said. "Whoever shows interest in me, I show interest in them."
Virginia was the first school to offer Smalling before his sophomore season. He has not kept up with the Cavalier's coaching staff in the interim, but he has not involved himself too deeply in the recruiting process at this stage.
"I really haven't talked to any colleges lately," Smalling said. "I really have just been working with my trainer and focusing on getting bigger and faster. I think it will pick up around the end of season. I'm just being patient."
The 6-foot-1, 189-pound Smalling estimated his sophomore season stats at 60 catches for 800 yards and 10 touchdowns.