Woods makes commitment

According to the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune, Tampa Robinson defensive lineman D.J. Woods committed and signed today with the Fighting Illini. Woods is the 21st member of Ron Zook's 2010 football recruiting class.

According to the Tampa Tribune, "That's a big step for D.J.," Coach Mike DePue said. "He came on late with a test score and they saw some highlights of him on a prep Web site, and they brought him up and signed him today. That's a huge step for our program. We're extremely, extremely pleased," "

A defensive end who had more than 50 tackles last season, Woods becomes the first Knight to sign with a major Division I program since Javier Arenas inked with Alabama four years ago. Illini assistant head coach/offensive line coach Joe Gilbert recruited Woods. The defensive lineman was first team All-Hillsborough per the Tribune. Woods was a late qualifier who verbally committed to Savannah (Ga.) State last fall and had an offer from South Dakota.