Recruiting Wrap

DJ Woods signs with Illini

Posted by: Jeremy Werner

Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:08 AM

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Tampa (Fla.) Robinson football coach Mike DePue thought the worst when Illinois sent home 6-foot-4, 225-pound senior defensive end DJ Woods on an earlier-than-scheduled flight from his official visit to the UI campus.

"I go, 'Goshdang, they sent him home early. I guess they didn't want him,'" DePue said.

But Woods was just trying to get out of the Midwest before Monday's night's snowstorm. Before he boarded the flight, Woods signed a letter of intent to become the 21st member of the Illini's Class of 2010.

"He is signed, sealed and delivered," DePue said. The mother faxed up her signature, so he's going to be starting up there in June. We're real excited for the young man."

Woods, who had offers from Savannah State and South Dakota, fills a big need for the Illini on the defensive line. Glenbard South senior Austin Teitsma was the only defensive lineman to sign with Illinois on Signing Day last Wednesday, though McHenry senior Jake Howe could also play on the line.

Woods is a standout wrestler, as well, winning the district title las week despite dislocating his elbow weeks prior. He was a late qualifier.

"His head's spinning a little bit right now, I'll tell you that," DePue said. "He's just a great kid. He walks into the room, and he's got a fantastic personality. He's a great locker room kid, a leader. And the bottom line is here is a kid that is a diamond in the rough. He's got the skills. If you get him in the weight room at the collegiate level, I think he'll turn into an impact player on defense."

 

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