Brodner talks Illini, recruiting
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2016 athlete Sam Brodner from Glen Ellyn (Ill.) Glenbard West currently has five college offers. He's getting more interest, and is letting the recruiting process run its course.
"Illinois, Illinois State, Ball State, Bowling Green and Nevada are my offers," Brodner said. "The entire process is going fairly well. I'm enjoying the different programs and getting to know more about each of them."
The Illini initially offered the 5-foot-11, 210 pound Brodner as a running back where he earned all-state honors last fall rushing for 1,950 yards and 25 touchdowns.
A move to the other side of the ball could be in the cards for Brodner, however, if he eventually chooses to play for Illinois. Linebacker and the hybrid "star" position are both possibilities.
"Illinois likes that fact that I can play defense as well," Brodner said. "It's an honor to receive an offer from Illinois and have the opportunity to play for my home state school."
Illinois offered Brodner in early March, and it remains his only Power 5 conference offer at this point. He was recently on campus in Champaign and is looking to make another trip.
"I saw the spring game," Brodner said. "I wanted to see how they did things and how friendly the players and coaches were. I'm going to get down there again to see more of the campus and the school soon, I hope."
Brodner isn't yet ready to make his college decision, which he says will likely happen before his senior season kicks off. He's weighing all of his options and planning visit, including trips to Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, and Cal, among others.
The Illini do appear to be under serious consideration. Brodner said he likes the fact that Tim Beckman and his staff give special attention to recruiting in-state, and he feels the program is improving.
"They played in a bowl game last year which is something that not all Big Ten teams could do," Brodner said. "I know they're trying to build something special there. A lot of the best players from this state can play with anyone."
Kedric Prince has covered the Fighting Illini for over a decade. He is currently the Illini recruiting analyst for the Moline Dispatch / Rock Island Argus newspaper in the Quad Cities. Follow Kedric on Twitter @KedPrince4