DT Mallory on the Illini radar

Bolingbrook (Ill.) defensive lineman Deshaun Mallory is a junior that is starting to turn heads on the recruiting scene.

One of the biggest reasons is that in the last couple of years he's grown four-inches and lost thirty pounds. He’s now 6-foot-3, 265-pounds and adding offers.

"Recruiting is going really well,” Mallory said. “I have six offers right now and after this semester coach thinks I'll have more."

Look for the Power 5 schools to start coming after Mallory. He was impressive last weekend at the Under Armour camp in Chicago.

“Right now, my offers are pretty much from the MAC,” Mallory said. “But there are a few Big Ten, SEC and PAC-12 schools that I'm hearing from too.”

Illinois, Michigan State, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska are the Big Ten schools that Mallory lists as having interest. He talked about the Illini and Spartans in particular.

"Michigan State and Illinois say they like my size and my speed,” he said. “I think that is one thing that separates me. They also like my football IQ. I can really talk to them on a high level about football.”

As for the Illini, there are several things that stand out to Mallory.

"I like the Illinois program,” Mallory said. “We have one our guys up there so it's not too unfamiliar. I know Lovie is there and everyone is talking about him too.

He's projected as a defensive tackle but has potential for versatility at the next level.

"Interior defensive line. I know a couple schools said if I keep losing weight they might consider moving me around,” Mallory said.