Illinois offers rising junior QB

On Wednesday Illinois became the third school to offer Monessen (Pa.) quarterback Chavas Rawlins.

Prior to the offer from the Illini, Rawlins had received verbal offers from Pitt and Akron.

The 6-foot-4, 195-pound quarterback said he's excited about the offer from the Big Ten school and is looking forward to learning more about them. He already knows a bit.

"Illinois called my coach today, earlier this morning. That's how I found out about the offer," he said.

"I've been in contact with them for a little while. I watched a couple of games this past season. That offense kind of suits me a little bit. I'm really interested in them."

He was quick to add a caveat.

"It's the same interest I have in all the other schools. I'm still young in this recruiting process but it's definitely a good offer," he noted.

The Monessen quarterback was at Penn State over the weekend and he believes the Nittany Lions are very interested in him as well, though they haven't offered.

Rawlins said Penn State has not made it clear whether they will recruit him as a quarterback or an athlete, but he was happy to visit the school regardless.

"It was beautiful up there," he recalled. "I loved it. The coaches were all nice, the campus was beautiful and everything was great.

"Penn State is definitely interested. I don't know what they'll recruit me for so we'll see what category I fall into for them but that's not a big deal. I'll play any position. My decision will mostly be based on the level of interest in that school. It's more about the school than the position they're recruiting me to play."

When asked whether he has any favorites Rawlins replied that he would prefer to keep that to himself at this time.