Illinois impresses Alabi

Three-star defensive lineman Joshua Alabi was part of a group from Detroit Cass Tech that visited Illinois this past weekend, and he came away with a favorable impression of the Illini.

"It was real nice," Alabi said. "I talked to a lot of coaches and Coach [Greg] Colby, the d-line coach, is a real nice guy. I could see myself playing for him. He seems like a chill type of coach. He's not trying to get too loud with you; he wants to teach you about the sport."

Alabi was joined by teammates that included Mike Weber, Michael Onwenu and Tim Walton on the Illinois visit. They stayed for just one day and were able to get the full tour of the campus.

"At every college you are going to get an education and get a chance to play," Alabi said. "At Illinois they are telling me I could play right away, so that is a bonus for them."

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Alabi is a two-way player in high school. Illinois is recruiting him as a defensive end.

At the Rivals Camp in southeast Michigan late last month Alabi announced a top three of Michigan State, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

"I haven't visited all the schools I wanted to, so right now those are still the top three," he said. "I still want to get down to Penn State and my coaches said I would like Penn State. I want to get down to Florida, Florida State and Miami. I also want to get down to Louisville and if possible I want to get out to California."

Alabi and several of his teammates are planning to attend the Florida Gator's camp this summer.