In-state D-lineman commits to Illinois 
April, 30, 2012
4/30/12
9:02
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Illinois added to its class Monday when it gained a commitment from defensive tackle Merrick Jackson (Belleville, Ill./Althoff Catholic).
Jackson (6-foot-2, 340 pounds) said he could not pass up the opportunity to play close to his family.
"It's close to home so my family can come see me," he said. "It's only like two hours away, and I like the atmosphere of Illinois."
Jackson (6-foot-2, 340 pounds) said he could not pass up the opportunity to play close to his family.
"It's close to home so my family can come see me," he said. "It's only like two hours away, and I like the atmosphere of Illinois."
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The Midwest Region consists of the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin and is where the foundation of most Big Ten recruiting classes are made up of. It's also where the MAC finds most of its talent and national programs hunt for prospects.