Lovie Smith and the Illinois staff have made a concerted effort to extend their recruiting influences into the southern regions of the country.

That trend continued with an offer to Millbrook (Ala.) Stanhope Elmore offensive lineman Jake Andrews.

"I got a text last Tuesday saying they loved my film and they called that afternoon to offer,” Andrews said. “I'm thankful for another opportunity to further my football career and education, especially at a school that can win."

Rivals.com lists Andrews as a defensive tackle, but he's being recruited primarily as an offensive guard or center.

So far, the 6-foot-3, 305-pound three-star prospect also holds offers from Georgia Tech, Memphis, Southern Miss, Troy, and UAB.