2017 offensive lineman holds Illini offer

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Massive 2017 offensive lineman Vederian Lowe from Rockford (Ill.) Auburn is an underclassmen for Illinois fans to keep an eye on over the next two years.

The 6-foot-5, 332 pound Lowe already holds an offer from the Fighting Illini. He made a trip to Champaign for an unofficial visit recently, along with his teammate and new Illini commit Juwuane Parchman.

Orange and Blue News spoke with Lowe prior to the Homecoming game against Minnesota.

"I'm just looking to have a good time and hopefully see them get a win," Lowe said. "It's always fun to come down here and watch Illinois play."

Lowe got his wish, as Illinois knocked off the Gophers 28-24. He arrived on campus early in the morning a few hours before the 11 a.m. kickoff and got to spend some time getting to know the Illini staff.

Parchman and Lowe have talked about the possibility of playing at the same school at the next level. Lowe feels there are some advantages to being at the same college as a high school teammate.

"It's always cool to stay with your teammates, someone who you are close to when you first get to college," Lowe said. "So it will definitely be on my mind."

Outside linebackers coach Al Seamonson heads up the recruitment, and Lowe also chatted with offensive line coach Tom Brattan.

"We got here at about 8 o'clock and talked to Coach Beckman and my recruiter Coach Seamonson," Lowe said. "Coach Brattan was one of the first coaches to come up to me and talk to me. They basically just talked about my game, and that they really wanted me to come here."

So far, the early offer from the Illini is the only one for Lowe. His coach handles most inquiries at this very early stage of his development. Lowe said Northwestern was in to see one of his games recently, and he's expecting much more attention in the off season.

The Auburn Knights bailed out in the first round of the IHSA Class 7A playoffs with a 35-14 loss to Hononegah. Individually, Lowe is very happy with his improvement as a sophomore after starting varsity as a freshman a year ago.

"I've progressed in my skills over the year and I'm down to about 320," he said. "My coach told me I might play some D-tackle next year, but I just played offense this year."

Lowe participated in the Rivals Camp Series last May in Chicago. Rivals.com Midwest analyst Josh Helmholdt placed Lowe on his list of top underclassmen at the camp.

"It is hard to believe Lowe is only a freshman," Helmholdt wrote. "He measured 6-foot-5 and 332 pounds on Sunday and is a big kid with a huge build and wide base. Even at his age and size, he showed good agility for a big offensive lineman and competed with great intensity. Lowe did not back down from the older defensive linemen he faced and was physical while also keeping his feet moving."

Illinois was first to offer, and they should be a major player as Lowe's recruitment progresses over the next couple of years. Lowe talked about what he liked about Illinois, including seeing all of the athletes who returned for the Homecoming game.

"They have a good tradition," Lowe said. "It's cool the way everybody comes back. And just the atmosphere, it's really fun, and it's pretty close to home."