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Illinois football seemingly received a blow when Homewood-Flossmoor offensive lineman Zach Fulton – the brother of former Illini and rookie Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Xavier Fulton – committed to Tennessee on Monday.

But the Illini bounced back that night when Chicago Brother Rice offensive lineman Andy Gallik called to give the coaching staff a verbal commitment.

"I had several really good options to pick from. Illinois was the school to beat for me the whole time," Gallik said. "Location was a huge factor for me. And it was a school I've watched ever since I was a little kid on Saturdays. There was just a comfort level I felt at Illinois."

Brother Rice coach Steve Nye was present when Gallik called Illinois co-defensive coordinator Curt Mallory and coach Ron Zook.

"I think when the whole process started, when we sat down and talked about schools, Illinois was at the head of (Gallik's) list," Nye said. "So to see him get the opportunity to play for the school he always wanted to go to – he's always been a big fan of the Illini – I think that's a nice thing."

The 6-foot-3, 300-pound senior plays tackle in high school but will likely play guard or center for Illinois. Gallik is the seventh Class of 2010 prospect to commit to the Illini and the second offensive lineman, joining Niles West guard Shawn Afryl.

Gallik made the short drive to Champaign several times in recent months, including a trip to the Nike Football Training Camp on June 6. He chose Illinois over offers from eight other schools, including Boston College and Minnesota.

"Every time he went down there and visited he just commented on how comfortable it was," Nye said. "I know that he's had some relatives that have gone to the University of Illinois, and his family is important to him. Ultimately, it came down to playing in the Big Ten and playing in the Midwest and having all those people to be able to see him continue playing and to go to a school that's so good academically."

Nye said he is proud Gallik could follow in the footsteps of Brother Rice alum and New York Giants starting tackle David Diehl, who was a second-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior at Illinois in 2002.

"Any time you have players that are able to continue at the next level, you're excited for him," Nye said. "(Gallik) has really worked hard over the past four years to put himself in that position. No one deserves it more than he does."