Eugene Wilson didn't have the usual campus visit to Illinois. No Saturday basketball game. No crowd of players.

By the time the Merrillville, Ind., defensive back/receiver made it to campus, most of the other recruits were on their way home. Basketball games Friday and Saturday forced Wilson to postpone his trip until Sunday.

When he got home Monday, Wilson didn't wait. He called Illinois coach Ron Turner and accepted a scholarship offer.

"I had a good time down there on my visit," Wilson said. "I really liked the coaches and the players I was around. I could see myself down there."

Wilson spent most of his time with Illini linebacker Eric Garrett and running back Steve Havard. Only three recruits still were on campus when he arrived.

Wilson is being recruited as a cornerback but said the coaches told him he also might be tried at receiver. Plus, he returns kicks and punts.

"He has tremendous vision on the field when it comes to returning punts and kickoffs," Merrillville coach Jeff Yelton said.

Yelton has coached great players at Merrillville, including Washington Redskins safety Jamel Williams, and he said Wilson is among the school's best.

Wilson picked the Illini over Northern Illinois and Ball State. Indiana and Purdue had also shown interest. He will be the first Merrillville player at Illinois since George Uremovich, who led the Illini in rushing in 1972 and '73.

The parade of commitments might be starting. Wheaton Warrenville South wide receiver Eric McGoey is strongly considering the Illini after a weekend visit.

McGoey was overshadowed his senior year by News-Gazette All-Stater Jon Schweighardt. McGoey caught recruiters' attention with a 12-catch, 246-yard performance in the Class 6A title game. Schweighardt, who led John Thorne's offense in receptions and touchdowns, is likely going to Northwestern.

McGoey didn't play football until his junior year at Wheaton Warrenville South. He spent most of that season on the junior varsity team, catching one touchdown pass in limited time with the varsity.

Wheaton Warrenville South quarterback Jon Beutjer, The News-Gazette Player of the Year, made the trip with McGoey. Illinois offered Beutjer a scholarship, Thorne said.

Illinois already has commitments from two quarterbacks: Centennial's Dustin Ward and Riverview (Mo.) Gardens' Christian Morton.

Like Beutjer, Evanston wide receiver/defensive back Duane Stone enjoyed his Illinois visit. The News-Gazette All-Stater is visiting Boston College and Indiana this week. In January, he plans trips to Purdue and Iowa State.