The Illini hosted Kansas commit Reggie Roberson for an official visit over the weekend. A 3-star wide receiver from Mesquite (Texas), Roberson got the usual tour and had a chance to watch Illinois in action against Purdue.
Roberson talked about what he liked most about the trip to Illinois.
“First of all, I like the academics,” Roberson said. “That comes first, and my family liked it a lot. Secondly, the football team, the family around it, and the community. They have a strong base of alumni.”
The visit also included dinner with the coaching staff, the Illini Walk, and going through the pre-game routine with the team.
Roberson says he remains committed to the Jayhawks but he is still considering other schools, including Illinois, Indiana, and East Carolina.
“I’m still committed, but I’m just comparing (Kansas) to Illinois and other schools,” Roberson said. “I’m just making sure it’s the right fit for me. I’m still looking around. I’m just waiting to see the best option for me.”
No timetable is in place for a final decision whether Roberson will stick to Kansas, or make a flip. He wants to take another visit first, possibly to Indiana or ECU.
Illinois is looking to add another wide receiver to a 2017 recruiting class that already includes 4-star Carmoni Green and 3-star Ricky Smalling. According to Roberson, the Illini staff is selling him on the opportunity to step in and make a difference as a true freshman.
“I liked what they showed me about the receivers,” he said. “To me, I just want to get on the field early. I feel like if you put me on the field I’ll make the plays. At Illinois, they said they would put me on the field. They said the freshmen coming in, they don’t want them to sit. They are going to have me playing receiver, kick returner, and punt returner.”
Illinois would obviously love to flip Roberson. One thing in its favor is the relationship Roberson has with the coaching staff.
“Coach Stoker is the one recruiting me and I’ve talked to Coach McGee a lot too,” Roberson said. “Coach Stoker, me and him are tight. He texts me all the time. I probably talk to him the most out of all the coaches I talk to. He just keeps a real firm relationship with me and I can call him about any time if I have questions. I have a lot of respect for him.”
On the field, Roberson is having a strong senior season. He has over 600 yards receiving, and has also made an impact as a punt and kick returner.
College coaches like his combination of explosiveness, length, and versatility.
“A lot of coaches see that I’m a longer receiver,” Roberson said. “I can play outside, and slot to because of my quickness. They feel like I’m a versatile player and they like my speed and my quickness. They like my right route running, because I get out of my breaks fast. I read coverages really well.”
