Illini set to host tight end
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The Illinois coaching staff has hit the ground running on the recruiting trail. Among the prospects they have been out talking to is 6-foot-7, 260-pound tight end Dylan Soehner from Prairie Grove (Ark.).
Running Backs coach Nathan Scheelhaase had the opportunity to visit with Soehner. Despite the two needing to build a new relationship due to the departure of former assistant coach Alex Golesh, Soehner had an enthusiastic prospective on the interaction.
"He came here and just said they really need me up there and are short at the tight end position," Soehner said. "As for really talking to him for the first time, I really liked him. He seems like a good, honest guy who means what he says. I can truly say I really enjoyed talking to him."
Soehner admits to a lack of knowledge on the Illinois football program, but he is very intrigued to find out more. In order to do so, he has plans to take an official visit to Illinois in January and get a better feel of how Illinois fits in with his expectations.
"When I take my official, I really just want to see if it is a place where I feel comfortable," Soehner said. "A big part of it for me is feeling comfortable, wherever I go. That is most important, ahead of the football and athletic stuff-that is important, obviously, but not the most important. I want a place that feels like home, and I will know it when I experience that."
Soehner claims to have accumulated at least 10 offers so far, with many more programs having interesting. Despite a large number of schools attempting to gain his commitment, there are two schools that are sticking out currently due to the effort being put into his recruitment.
"I would say Iowa state and Illinois talk to me more than anyone and I'm trying to plan officials to both schools," Soehner said. "I suppose you could say that they are favorites. They really just have had more contact with me than anyone else, and you always want to go somewhere that wants you and wants to recruit you."
Prairie Grove and Soehner just concluded a very successful season with a loss in their first ever state championship appearance. Soehner took a large part in his team's success as a versatile player that finished the season with 37 receptions, 675 yards, 10 touchdowns, and even threw a 75-yard pass for a touchdown.
Soehner uses his athleticism and size well at the tight end position, and admits that he considers his ball skills as one of his best attributes. However, he will need to keep expanding on all aspects of the tight end position before making the transition to the collegiate level.
"I think one thing I am definitely going to have to improve on is my blocking," Soehner said. "Not that I am a terrible blocker by any means, but more because my team didn't use me as a blocking tight end all that much so I will have to do that on a more consistent basis."
Besides the official visits to Illinois and Iowa State, Soehner doesn't have any additional visits planned for the time being. He also does not have a specific timeline for making his final decision.