Posted by Craig Haubert
Ron Zook has struck again! In what is turning out to be the most interesting story of the 2007 recruiting class, Illinois landed yet another ESPN 150 player Thursday when
Martez Wilson, the nation's No. 1 defensive end, announced his intention to attend Illinois. Wilson is a Chicago native and made his announcement at his own Simeon High School.
This was another huge addition for Illinois, which beat out the likes of Notre Dame, Ohio State and USC for him. The pick-up of Wilson gives an Illinois team that won two games in 2006 four ESPN 150 players in the '07 class, including No. 2 wide receiver Arrelious Benn (Washington D.C./Dunbar).
The significance of landing Wilson goes beyond his high ranking.
Wilson is one of the best athletes in this class. He can quickly help give Illinois a pass rush, a category the Illini ranked 81st in this year. He also is capable of playing outside linebacker and is a very good wide receiver. Illinois has landed a versatile athlete who gives this class another big-name recruit.
Few could imagine that coach Zook would be able to accomplish what he has, but his recruiting pitch and the lure of quickly earning playing time has generated an excellent 2007 class. Defensive tackle Josh Brent (Bloomington, Ill./Central Catholic) was supposed to make his announcement alongside Wilson on Thursday but did not. But it believed the top defensive tackle also will announce for Illinois when he makes his decision.
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