Trojans knocking on Fellows door

There is always a friendly debate as to who the top player in Ohio is, and this year there are plenty of candidates.

But one player that doesn't get mentioned as much as he probably should is four-star defensive end Melvin Fellows.

The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder from Garfield Heights, Ohio, is already ranked as one of the top 250 players in the nation, but his stock continues to shoot up this spring. He's already made a commitment to Illinois, but that hasn't stopped other programs from knocking on his door.

Fellows has said several times this spring he'll look at Michigan, Notre Dame and Ohio State. But it looks like it's time to add another school to that list.

"I'm supposed to talk to Pete Carroll from USC tomorrow," said Fellows, is ranked as the No. 163 player in the nation by Rivals.com.

"I think he might offer me. If he does, that's going to give me something else to really consider."

With offers from all the mentioned teams, plus from West Virginia, Marshall, Louisville and others, the pressure cooker remains hot on him. He said he remains committed to Eric Wolford and the Illini, but with the other national programs knocking on his door, he owes it to himself to make sure he's made the right decision.

"I'm still solid," he said. "That's what I like about Illinois. They don't pressure me about anything. We already have a relationship so if I go visit another school they don't get mad."

Fellows said he'll make his final decision next February. Until then, he'll continue to work hard for his senior season.

"Everything is going real good," he said. "I'm just trying to stay focused and lift weights to get better and work on my game. We are working out; we have a good speed program. We do speed work and workout and on Wednesday we have study table. We do SAT prep stuff and have tutors. Our coach and staff likes to help us out. I'm glad that I'm at Garfield."