Illini offer 2016 defensive lineman
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Chicago Phillips defensive end Amir Watts picked up an offer from the University of Illinois on Saturday after taking part in a junior day on campus.
The 6-foot-3, 260-pound junior holds several offers, including Ball State, Central Michigan, Miami-Ohio, New Mexico, Toledo, Southern Illinois, Western Kentucky, and Western Michigan. He is also hearing from Indiana, Vanderbilt, and Pittsburgh.
Despite his familiarity with the recruitment process, Watts was at a loss for words following the Illini offer.
"I honestly didn't really know what to say," Watts said. "It's my first major offer. It's just a lot to handle, and I'm trying to let it all sink in."
Watts has visited Illinois on numerous occasions, and while he is a big fan of the campus and all of its amenities, he is a bigger fan of the relationship that exists between the team and its players.
"It's an amazing program, actually," Watts said. "I really like it because I think they build a brotherhood here."
The Illini have also offered Watts' Chicago Phillips teammates linebacker Amani Jones and wide-receiver Quayvon Skanes, and all three were at Illinois on Saturday. The trio also visited Central Michigan recently.
Though he has known Skanes and other teammates at Phillips for several years, this fall will be Watts' first season at Phillips after transferring from Chicago De La Salle over the Christmas break.
Watts was quick to note that the three teammates are enticed at the idea of playing together at Illinois.
"All of us really like (Illinois) and what they have to offer," said Watts. "It's just a great experience here at Illinois."
Watts feels that his speed separates him from other defensive end prospects, noting that his offensive game - he has also played running back and flex tight end - showcases that athletic ability.
Watts is hoping to be the final piece to a state championship team after Phillips lost in the Illinois Class 4A title game to Rochester last season.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Watts told Rivals.com. "The move has been real smooth. I know a lot of the guys at Phillips, so I already have a lot of chemistry with everybody and it's working real well for me. I like my teammates and I think we have a good foundation."