Illinois reached back into Florida with an offer to offensive tackle Troy Ingle from Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage.

It is the first Power 5 offer for Ingle.

"It means a lot coming from a great league in the Big Ten," Ingle said. "It's a very professional program. It has a lot of coaching experience, especially with Coach Lovie Smith at the helm."

Ingle transferred to American Heritage after playing last season at Flanagan High School.

Other offers so far are from Marshall Appalachian State, Army, Columbia, Navy, and UCF. Ingle recently took a visit to UCF.

Offensive line coach Luke Butkus heads up the recruitment for the Fighting Illini.

"I've been talking to (Butkus) for a about a month," Ingle said. "He's great. He's just one of the guys. He knows what its like to play offensive line at Illinois. For him to offer me is amazing."

The 6-foot-5, 280 pounds Ingle projects as a tackle at the next level. He talked about the things he excels at on the field.

"I play the game with great technique and energy, and a lot of toughness," he said. "I do whatever I need to, whether its run blocking or pass blocking."

The Illinois staff will be back at American Heritage later this spring, and Ingle also wants to make a trip up to Champaign.

"They are coming down for my spring ball to see me play," Ingle said. "I'll probably go up there for a visit this summer."

Ingle doesn't yet have a timetable for making is college choice.

"I'm going to let it play out a while and enjoy the recruiting process," he said.