Ohio quarterback favors Big Ten

2016 quarterback Elijah Cunningham from Springboro (Ohio) would love to pick up some power conference offers, and he has interest in the Fighting Illini

So far Illinois interest has been relatively light, but Cunningham hopes to see that change over the next few months. He has a connection to Illinois-Illini sophomore basketball player Maverick Morgan, also is a graduate from Springboro.

Cunningham is a multi-sport athlete and he played on the Springboro basketball team with Morgan. The two are friends and Morgan speaks highly of Illinois. Look for the relationship between Illinois and Cunningham to grow.

"Right now, all I get from Illinois are letters in the mail," Cunningham said. "It's not too late to get to know them more. I'm not deciding anytime soon and would love to hear more from them."

So far, Cunningham's only offer is from Akron. He has a long list of schools who are showing interest, however, and he has recently taken four unofficial visits.

"I'm really looking forward to the back-half of my junior year to get more offers," Cunninghams said. "I've made visits to West Virginia, Purdue, Indiana and Michigan State this year already."

Just a junior, it's very early in the process for Cunningham and admits he's wide open when it comes to colleges vying for his services. He believes he's Big Ten guy when all is said and done.

"I think my style of play is similar to those found in the Big Ten, and growing up in the Midwest made me partial to it," Cunningham. The biggest thing I'm looking for in a school is one where I'll be just as happy on the field as off the field. I'm looking for a school that will fit me as both an individual and as a player."

This season as a junior, Cunningham has helped to lead Springboro to a 5-1 record. He has been hot of late, accounting for 14 touchdowns (9 passing, 5 rushing) over the last three games. Cunningham averages 202 yards per game passing and completes nearly 65% of his throws.

"Our team is looking extremely good this year," Cunningham said. "I'm excited to see what the rest of the season holds for us. I'm happy with my numbers. I've thrown for over 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns so far. I've also ran for another 200 yards."

Kedric Prince has covered the Fighting Illini for over a decade. He is currently the Illini recruiting analyst for the Moline Dispatch / Rock Island Argus newspaper in the Quad Cities. Follow Kedric on Twitter @KedPrince4