He hasn't played a down of football this season. But nobody questions Craig Drummond's ability. Or his college potential.
The Chicago Morgan Park defensive end, a News-Gazette All-Stater in 2007, is the latest prep standout to join Ron Zook's 2009 recruiting class.
A preseason ankle injury has kept Drummond on the sidelines during the Morgan Park season. But that hasn't cut the interest in him as a recruit.
Scout.com ranks Drummond as the nation's No. 13 defensive end and calls him a four-star recruit. Rivals.com ranks him as the No. 4 strongside defensive end.
"He's perfect for Illinois. He's perfect for anybody," national recruiting expert Tom Lemming said. "He's the best pass rusher in the Midwest."
As a junior, Drummond had 18 sacks. That drew the interest across the country and brought offers from Illinois, Ohio State, Southern Cal, Tennessee, Wisconsin and others. His final choice came down to Illinois and Wisconsin.
The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder is scheduled to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January.
"If he's ready to play, we're going to play him," said Lemming, who helps select the teams.
Lemming said landing Drummond is a "huge get" for Illinois. He also likes the two East St. Louis receivers, Terry Hawthorne and Kraig Appleton, who had picked the Illini.
Drummond is the 15th player to commit to Illinois for the Class of 2009. He is the seventh player from inside the state borders to pick Zook's team.
"I think they're doing very well," Lemming said.
Drummond will join a defense that loses two of its three starting ends. Will Davis and Derek Walker are in their final season. The third starter, Doug Pilcher, has one more year of eligibility and figures to be a defensive line anchor in 2009.
Zook has been willing to get freshmen on the field if they are ready. Fourteen first-year players have been on the field this season.

CLASS OF 2009

PLAYER POS. SCHOOL

Kraig Appleton WR East St. Louis

Lendell Buckner DL Chicago Leo

Andrew Carter OL Tallahassee (Fla.) Leon

Craig Drummond DE Morgan Park

Jake Feldmeyer OL Centerville (Ohio)

Greg Fuller RB Thornton

Bud Golden RB Cincinnati Sycamore

Terry Hawthorne WR East St. Louis

Leon Hill OL Chicago Leo

Tommie Hopkins DB East St. Louis

Steve Hull WR Cincinnati Sycamore

Darryl Lee LB St. Augustine (Fla.)

Nathan Scheelhaase QB Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst

Hugh Thornton OT Oberlin (Ohio)

Joelil Thrash DB Washington (D.C.) H.D. Woodson