Cali cornerback is on the Illini radar

Illinois recently hosted 2-star cornerback Dallas Branch from Los Angeles (Calif.) Salesian for an official visit, and the Illini staff are keeping close tabs on him.

Though Branch isn’t the top DB on the Illini recruiting board, he remains an option.

“I really like Illinois and their staff,” Branch said. “The recruiting process with them is going great. I talk to them a couple times a week now.”

The Illinois season ended on down note with a loss to Northwestern as Lovie Smith compiled a 3-9 record in his first season in Champaign. Still, Branch says he got a good vibe on his trip to Champaign.

“They have the program going in the right direction over there,” he said. “It’s exciting, and they’re really trying to get the best players they possibly can over there to help them win games and compete more on a national stage.”

Branch when Illinois hosted Iowa at Memorial Stadium on November 19. His high school teammate, Oregon commit Nick Pickett, made the trip to Illinois with him.

“The visit was great,” Branch said. “I loved the atmosphere at the stadium, and the coaches were great. Coach Smith has the right staff and people in place to help turn the Illinois football program around.”

So far, Illinois is the only Power 5 offer for Branch. He also holds an offer from Hawaii. He is taking his time and hopes to pick up more offers when college coaches see his senior film.

“I just want to go through the entire process and make sure wherever I go to school that I’m making the right choice for me in the end,” Branch said.