Spence to play at Illinois

Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Day cornerback Eaton Spence has known for quite a while where he would be spending his college career. Now, the 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back is talking about his future home.

"I am committed to Illinois," Spence said.

For the two-star defensive back, it is the opportunities at Illinois on and off the field that made it so appealing for him.

"The education is number one," Spence said. "The coaches also told me if I come in there and I work hard that I can get some playing time early on."

It didn't hurt that the Illini have a commitment from Spence's teammate, cornerback J.T. Thornton.

"That plays into it a little bit," Spence said. "He was telling me how the place is and how it is a fun place to be. He said that he felt comfortable there. It will be just a little bit more comfortable going there with somebody that you already know."

Spence has yet to take his official visit to Illinois, as he will travel up there this weekend, but has already developed a good relationship with his primary recruiting.

"I have been talking with Coach (Jeff) Brohm," Spence said. "He is a real cool person. When I first met him, he was just a good person. We just clicked. He told me the things that I wanted to hear such as them having one of the best business schools in the nation and that I can come in and play early if I work hard."

Academically, Spence claims a 3.0 GPA and earned a 24 on the ACT.