Illini interest grows for Thornton
Leon Thornton is a 6-foot-2, 190 pound wide receiver from Lombard (Ill.) Montini Catholic High School. The class of 2015 playmaker has several offers. One school that has done a tremendous job of recruiting him is the University of Illinois.
Thornton knows what he's looking for in a program. Everything has to be a good for him, but he understands nothing will be perfect.
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"I really like Illinois and I love the program," Thornton said. "They've recruited me very hard since I received my offer from them. Playing for them would be very nice."
Like most heavily recruited athletes you're told never to show your hand. Thornton is no different but doesn't hide the fact that he likes the Illini football program and the direction it's headed.
Playing under Illini offensive coordinator Bill Cubit is becoming an easy sell to skill position players these days. Last year Illinois finished the season (4-8, 1-7), but that doesn't scare Thornton. He sees big improvement in the offense that averaged 29.7 points a game last season.
"I love Big Ten football; I grew up watching it," he said. "I feel like I can go anywhere and make an impact, but I believe it takes more than one player to change a program. It's a team game and that's what I'm about."
Thornton was on campus back in February on junior day and really liked what he saw from the school and staff. Thornton stated no timetable has been set for an announcement for his services, but staying close to home could have an impact on his decision.
"Playing close to home is always a good thing for many reasons, but at the end of the day I still have to find a place that suits me best. After my season I plan to pick a college. Right now I want to focus on my team and my school and enjoy the process."
Thornton checks in as the 11th best prospect in the state of Illinois. Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana and Western Michigan are a few DI schools that have offered the receiver.
Kedric Prince has covered the Fighting Illini for over a decade. He is currently the Illini recruiting analyst for the Moline Dispatch / Rock Island Argus newspaper in the Quad Cities. Follow Kedric on Twitter @KedPrince4
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