Milan close; decides on NSD

The recruitment of Chicago (Ill.) Al Raby defensive tackle Jamal Milan is one of the most closely watched in the Midwest and the three-star updated where things stand three days before National Signing Day.

"I am waiting until Wednesday (to announce)," Milan said. "I have a thought where I want to go, but I am still deciding so I don't want to give it out and end up going to another school.

"It's a top two with Minnesota and Illinois. That's not saying Indiana and Iowa State are not still in it, but those are mainly the two teams that I have been trying to find a difference with."

As he works toward his college choice, Milan noted that he prepared for this decision while he was on his official visits.

"With me, the coaches will be there or they won't be there," Milan said. "So, I have been getting close with the recruits for the class of 2015 because most likely those will be the kids that I will work with for four or five years. Getting to know the majority of the recruiting class helps me a lot with my decision."

Milan did not take an official visit this weekend. He has seen each of his top four, and his last official visit took place the weekend of Jan. 23 to Illinois.

"I would say I enjoyed it to a certain extent," Milan said. "I have been down there two or three times so I have seen the academics and what they can offer. On my official visit I was able to spend more time with the players, get a nice bond with them and talk to some recruits."

Junior defensive end Jihad Ward was Milan's player-host during the official visit to Illinois and made the Chicago native feel welcome.

"I felt like I would fit in just right," Milan said. "I thought if I was to go there I would have no type of problems. It felt like that was my home for the moment."

The 6-foot-3, 285-pound Milan is ranked as the No. 45 defensive tackle prospect in the 2015 class and the No. 14 player in the state of Illinois.