Illini land Chicago lineman Marcus Harper
There was a plethora of talent in Champaign on Saturday, as Illinois was able to host a large number of prospects for an eventful Junior Day.
The Illini staff was hoping to get some momentum rolling on the recruiting trail this weekend, and it appears they got off to a strong with a commitment from Chicago (Ill.) Simeon offensive guard Marcus Harper.
This was Harper’s third visit to Illinois, and the Illinois staff was able to make a strong enough impression to get the three-star prospect to pull the trigger.
“I’ve been up here for a football game and a basketball game as well, and Littyville never disappoints,” Harper said. “Every time I leave here, I am more pleased than the last time. They just always have a good time around here.”
Harper’s stock blew up over the winter, adding double digit offers since the end of January.
The Illini were able to beat numerous other Power 5 programs, including Nebraska, Iowa State, Michigan State, Kansas State, and Oregon, among other.
Harper spoke about what separates Illinois from the other programs that have shown him interest.
“They are all about the brotherhood,” Harper said. “They have been working and trying to get all us Chicago guys to stay together, because they know how much it means to get people who are comfortable with each other and have the same goals. Us Illinois players are slept on sometimes, so it’s a chance for us to all prove ourselves and build a program.”
Illinois has really worked the home school angle on Harper, and the in-state prospect said that it has definitely had an impact on how he views the Illini program.
“That’s for sure something that means a little bit more,” Harper said. “It would be something nice to get all of us together and put on for our home state. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, there’s something about staying home that’s special. And you’re also closer to your parents, so they can come and see every game.”
While in Champaign on Saturday, Harper was able to watch a practice and get a first-hand look of the Illinois offense.
He believes he will be able to fit in right away, because he has already played in a similar style of offense.
“When I see how they play, I see how I could fit in perfectly to the offense,” Harper said. “If I stay in a place that has a similar offense to what I have like Illinois, it won’t be too difficult of an adjustment. I’ll just have to learn the playbook and the terminology they use in college, but I will know the scheme and will be used to that.”
The visit was also an opportunity for Harper to interact with several of the coaches that have been recruiting him.
Running backs coach Mike Bellamy has been the main recruiter, but the Chicago product has also been in communication with newly hired offensive line coach Bob McClain, as well as Rod Smith and Lovie Smith.
“All the coaches here at Littyville do a good job keeping a relationship with me for stuff both on and off the field,” Harper said. “Whenever they get a chance to see me, they’ve been working to get me up to Champaign as much as they can. We talk constantly – daily almost I’d say. It’s just a very close bond with those guys.”
After playing last season at Homewood-Flossmoor, Harper will suit up for Chicago Simeon after his family moving. The Wolverines posted an 11-1 record last fall, falling to Nazareth Academy in the IHSA Class 7A quarterfinals.
Harper is the Illini's first commit in the class of 2020