TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Andrew Carter figured he would have to go away from home for college. Of his 17 offers, only one is from a nearby school (Florida State), and the New Hampshire transplant didn't grow up a Seminoles fan.

One trip to Champaign-Urbana convinced the three-star offensive lineman that Illinois is the right choice. The Tallahassee Leon star made a commitment to Ron Zook's program and will sign in February.

"I really just loved everything about it," Carter said. "Ron Zook, Coach (Eric) Wolford and Coach (Dan) Disch. Everything about it felt like home, and that's what I was looking for.

"It was the relationships and how everything is so nice. The campus is just beautiful. I like how they're building a brand-new weight room. It's going to be ready when I'm there."

Besides Illinois, Carter had offers from Arkansas, Miami, Michigan and South Carolina.

Carter is the 10th player to commit to Illinois for the 2009 class and the third offensive lineman.

"I know Ron Zook is a winner, and that's what he's going to do," Carter said. "I look forward to being coached by him."