In-state defensive lineman pledges to Illini

Illinois picked up a big commitment on Thursday from 3-star defensive lineman Kendrick Green from Peoria (Ill.).

The No. 14 prospect in the state of Illinois according to Rivals.com, Green picked Illinois over Iowa and Minnesota. The Illini staff recruited Green to play defensive tackle.

Illinois just offered Green in November, but they made up ground quickly and got Green on campus in Champaign for an official visit. Spending one-on-one time with head coach Lovie Smith was a game-changer for Green.

“Coach Smith told me that they need me," Green said following the visit. "He talked about how I could make an impact on the program.”

Just off a state championship at Peoria, Green’s stock has been on the rise. Illinois made Green a priority, and it paid big dividends for them.

Green is commitment No. 15 for Illinois in the class of 2017 and the second defensive lineman, joining Huntley (Ill.) defensive end Olalere Oladipo.

The Illini now set their sites on Florida defensive end Owen Carney, who is set to make his decision on Christmas Day.