Appleton didn't have Illinois offer

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There’s a good reason East St. Louis receiver Kraig Appleton didn’t sign with Illinois on Wednesday: He didn’t have a scholarship form to send to the school.

“We did not send him a scholarship,” Illinois coach Ron Zook said. “There’s no way he could have signed with us.”

Reports in Wisconsin and beyond had Appleton picking the Badgers over Illinois. The Wisconsin State Journal headline in Thursday’s sports section read: “Big catch: WR Appleton spurns Illini to become unexpected member of UW’s class of 2009.”

Zook wouldn’t elaborate on what happened with Appleton. Sources close to the program said the Illinois staff had concerns about off-the-field issues with the star receiver.

National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said he didn’t think Appleton was a big loss for Illinois.

“You’ve got to say good riddance,” Lemming said. “Justin Green’s a better player anyway than Appleton.”

Appleton was supposed to play in the U.S. Army All-American game in January, but never showed up in San Antonio. Lemming, who helps select the players and is part of the NBC broadcast team, said he never got an explanation as to why Appleton skipped the prestigious event.

Appleton was a News-Gazette All-Stater, who helped the Flyers win the Class 7A state title as a senior. He had 28 catches for 657 yards and 10 touchdowns.

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