Illinois snags late bloomer from Detroit

Detroit Cass Tech has been one of the most consistent talent producing schools in the Midwest for several years, placing one of their players in the Army All-American Bowl each of the past three years. This year they have two prospects already committed to Division 1 programs, and a third made his choice this weekend.

Defensive end Kenny Nelson stands in at 6-6 and 245 pounds. His game did not catch up to his frame until his senior season, however, when he earned second team all-metro Detroit honors for his play on an 11-1 Technicians team.

Nelson picked up his first offer of the recruiting process from Western Michigan shortly after the end of his senior season. Illinois and Michigan were showing interest as well, and the Detroit native made an official visit to Champaign this past weekend to check out the Illini. That trip resulted in Nelson deciding his future was at Illinois and he gave the coaches his verbal commitment before returning home.

Cass Tech head coach Thomas Wilcher confirmed the commitment of his star defensive end following the Illinois trip.