Read our story on C.J. during his June visit to Illinois by cicking here

Johnsburg tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, ranked among the nation’s top 100 senior prospects, has made a commitment to Illinois.

At the start of June, Illinois wasn’t in the picture for the nation’s No. 2 tight end according to Scout.com. But Fiedorowicz moved Illinois to the top of his list after visiting campus for the seven-on-seven passing tournament.

“Right when I got there, I met with five coaches and they all seemed like guys I would have a good time with,” Fiedorowicz said. “It was everybody. I couldn’t talk with coaches at any other schools like I could with them. We could talk about anything.”

He also met with some of the current Illini during his trip, adding to his comfort level. Within the first two couple hours of his visit, Fiedorowicz started feeling at home.

Fiedorowicz called Ron Zook on Wednesday to make the commitment. Zook had just returned from a trip to Florida.

The 6-foot-7, 250-pounder picked Illinois over Iowa. He had offers from across the country, including Ohio State, LSU and Notre Dame.

Fiedorowicz met Illinois recruit Chandler Whitmer at the passing tournament.

“He was telling me how much he liked it,” Fiedorowicz said. “I had his number and I talked to him every day about it. I just said how much I liked it. I realized it was the right fit.”

Fiedorowicz wasn’t in a hurry to make a commitment. He planned to decide during the season. That changed after he visited Illinois.

“What’s the point in waiting if I already know what I want?” Fiedorowicz said. “It’s going to be nice not having to talk to anybody.”

The Fiedorowicz family has been through the recruiting process before, with his older sister Paige playing basketball at Marquette and his brother Kyle at North Central. They offered their opinions. So did his parents, Gary and LeeAnn.

“They just backed me up with whatever decision I made,” Fiedorowicz said.
Fiedorowicz plays receiver at Johnsburg, but will move to tight end at Illinois. He expects to see the ball when he is ready to play.

“They said they’re going to throw to athletic players,” Fiedorowicz said. “If I show can make an impact, they’re going to use me.”

As a junior, Fiedorowicz had 49 catches for 809 yards and 11 touchdowns. He keeps busy the rest of the school year, too, playing basketball and running track.

To get ready for the Big Ten, Fiedorowicz said he needs to improve his blocking. He plans to study business or sports management.