Illinois hosted 2023 quarterback Mason McHugh from Florida prep school power IMG Academy for an unofficial visit on Wednesday.
Illinois caught up with McHugh when he was on his way home from Champaign to get the lowdown on his visit to check out the Fighting Illini program.
McHugh is the starting quarterback for the IMG Varsity White Team, a team if high schoolers that's eligible to participate in the Florida state playoffs.
He's led his team to a 5-0 record, completing 68 of 113 passes for 1,366 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 1 interceptions. That effort has garnered the attention of Power 5 programs, including Illinois.
Illinois recruiting staffer Terry Hawthorne, a former standout defensive back at the school, set up McHugh's unofficial visit, and the trip went very well according to McHugh.
"The visit went great," he said. "I showed up outside the Smith Center where we met up with Coach Hawthorne. We then toured the Smith Center which was incredibly impressive. I got to meet a lot of the staff there and then when we wrapped that up we went out to practice where Coach Bielma came over and talked to me. We then went on a tour through the whole campus. We finished up a photoshoot and meetings with the academic counselors, Head Trainer, and Offensive Cordinator Tony Petersen."
So far, recruiting has yet to pick up steam for McHugh, but judging by his early season film, that's about to change. He's an excellent all-around athlete with a strong arm and playmaking ability.
Offers are in from Troy and Gardner Webb, and he's getting interest from Penn State, Nebraska, Arizona State, Vanderbilt, Northwestern , West Virginia, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Charlotte, USF, FAU, and others.
McHugh said the highlight of his trip to Champaign was getting to chat with the coaches and learn about the program, including head coach Bret Bielema and offensive coordinator Coach Petersen, who doubles as the quarterbacks coach.
"I think the thing that stood out the most were the very welcoming staff and the great conversation I had with Coach Bielma and Coach Petersen," McHugh said. "They seemed very down to earth and were extremely honest. It was awesome. I really liked the program that Coach B is building. They are building something there."
Illinois will definitely keep tabs on McHugh as the staff sorts through game film and identifies quarterbacks recruiting targets in the junior class.
A scholarship offer could be in the cards once the Illinois staff has an opportunity to watch McHugh throw in person.
"I think that Illinois has a high level of interest," McHugh said. "They did a lot of things today that definitely showed that they are interested and impressed with what they have seen thus far. I do think an offer is coming down the line. Coach Petersen said his biggest thing for QBs is him being able to see how the ball comes off your hand in person. So that in person evaluation is where I'm going to earn that offer. That could be him coming down to a game later this fall or him coming to IMG this spring to evaluate then.
"That offer would be huge. It is a school I am highly interested in and obviously a prestigious B10 offer. When it happens itll be awesome."
There's a lot to like on McHugh's game film. He has a good pocket presence, can make all of the throws, and shows some speed in the open field when he has to tuck it an run.
He also talked about some intangibles that college coaches like about him.
"My game is just revolved around playmaking," McHugh. "I can sit in the pocket and am comfortable doing that but also when there is pressure I have the ability to get out and extend plays. I think my biggest attribute is my mind. I prepare better and read defenses at a high level. I think coaches like is natural playmaking abilities and someone who process and understand high level complex offenses. I think they see I am natural leader and like the fact that I was voted captain of my team in less a two months of being there."
