WR James has an early leader

Chicago (Ill.) junior wide receiver prospect Chris James (6-foot-1, 185 pounds) from Morgan Park High School made a second junior day visit to the University of Illinois this past weekend.

"I really wanted to get a chance to talk with the new receivers coach (Dino) Dawson," James said. "So I decided to head down to Illinois on Saturday with both D (Demetrius Jones) and Ray-Ray (Ramon Johnson)."

James, who has an offer from Illinois, continues to come away very impressed with the Illini.

"I really got along well with Coach Dawson, and he's already given me a few tips that I can use for next season. We also talked about the new offense at Illinois as well as his coaching style. I really enjoyed getting to know Coach Dawson, and it seems like I have a better feeling for the coaches at Illinois every time I visit the campus. I like all of the coaches at Illinois, and the three of us agree that the Illinois coaches have been our favorites so far to talk with."

James made it clear that he has an early leader in the Illini.

"Illinois is my early leader right now. I really just like everything that Illinois has to offer. I get a real feeling that the new coaching staff has a serious passion to win. I also enjoyed the atmosphere at Illinois this past weekend with it's fan fest. I'm still not committed to anyone, but Illinois is definitely my early favorite."

James also continues to draw recruiting interest from a few new suitors.

"Both Ohio State and Iowa have started to pick things up with mail, and they have both requested my junior tape. Both schools have also sent a few hand-written letters."