Defensive tackle plans Illini visit

Crete-Monee (Ill.) defensive tackle John Mitchell is drawing plenty of interest from the Illini.

“My favorite part of recruiting so far is seeing all the schools that are interested in me and getting scholarships for another opportunity to play at the college level,” Mitchell said.

One of the latest offers in for Mitchell (6-foot-3, 270-pounds) came out of Champaign.

“The last offers I’ve received are Ball State, Central Michigan, University of Wyoming and University of Illinois,” Mitchell said.

Crete-Monee advanced to the class 6A state championship game this season, even taking down a strong Hinsdale South team in the semifinals. In the end, they lost to Montini 38-15 in the championship.

Now, Mitchell is prepping for his senior season while interest picks up on the recruiting trail.

Mitchell said he is intrigued by the hire of Lovie Smith as the new head coach at Illinois.

“With Illinois I think that they are going to be a lot better with all the change they are having,” Mitchell said. “I like that most of the coaches have experience in the NFL and know what is needed to have a good team.”

Mitchell is planning on getting down to visit Illinois to meet the new coaching staff on April 9th.

“I just hope that I like Illinois and being around the team and the coaches when I visit, just overall how things are,” Mitchell said.

On visits in general, Mitchell will have several things in mind.

“When I am on visits I am just looking to make sure that I’m comfortable being there and playing with the team,” Mitchell said.