Florida safety flips to Illini

The last week of the recruiting cycle was a whirlwind for new Illin commit Dawson Degroot from Fort Meyers (Fla.).

The 2-star safety had just committed to FIU when an offer from Big Ten program Illinois came through.

Degroot decommitted from FIU on Tuesday and pledged to Lovie Smith and his staff.

A third-team Class 6A all-state selection, Degroot chose Illinois over offers from Boston College, FIU, UConn, Cincinnati and Central Michigan.

Degroot picked the Illini without taking a visit, but should be on campus soon. He visited FIU on Jan. 13 and Boston College on Jan. 20.

The free safety finished with 96 tackles, an interception, and three fumble recoveries in leading Fort Myers to an 8-5 record and a region final berth.

Degroot is the second safety to commit to Illinois on Tuesday, one day before National Signing Day. He joins California product Bennett Williams.