Illinois recently cast its recruiting net wider with an offer to 2022 center Cameron Corhen from Plano (Texas) John Paul High School.

Orange and Blue News spoke to Corhen about his new Big Ten offer, and a key relationship that may give Illinois and edge in his recruitment.

The new Illinois offer to Corhen is directly related to the hiring of Chester Frazier, who was recruiting Corhen while at Virginia Tech.

Virginia Tech was in a good position with Corhen before Frazier's departure and many considered the Hokies to be the leader.

"I got offered by Illinois because coach Frazier had been recruiting me hard for about a year now at Virginia, so when he left nothing changed on his end," Corhen said.

Corhen holds numerous high major offers, with Houston being another school that he says is recruiting him the hardest.

The relationship with Frazier is strong, with Frazier building a bond with Corhen and his parents and talking to the 6-foot-9 big man on a daily basis.

"Coach Frazier’s role (in his recruitment) is definitely big because we have a relationship that’s bigger then basketball. I can call him up about anything."

Corhen is one of the top stock risers in the nation this spring, and he should leap into the Rivals150 with the next update.

He's just becoming familiar with the Illinois program, but he likes what he's hearing so far from Frazier.

"I don’t know much about Illinois right now other than the atmosphere coach Frazier tells me about," Corhen said. "He played there so he said the fan base is unbelievable."

Sometime this summer, Corhen wants to take an official visit to Illinois. He says he wants to become more familiar with the campus and facilities.

He plans to make his college decision later this year after taking all five of his allotted official visits, which aren't set yet.

At 6-foot-9, Corhen is a skilled big man who can post up or knock down perimeter shots. He appears to be the type of versatile front court player that Illini coach Brad Underwood prefers.

"I would describe my game as a versatile 4-man who shoots at a high percentage and can guard multiple positions," he said.