Fighting Illini Ink 23 to Letters of Intent
Turner's third recruiting class ranks among Big Ten's elite -2/3/99

Head Coach Ron Turner and the University of Illinois football program announced the signing of 23 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent earlier today. The Class of 1999 is already being hailed as one of the elite football recruiting classes in the Midwest and nation by national recruiting experts.

Among the 23 signees announced earlier today in Coach Turner's third Illinois recruiting class are five student-athletes ranked among the nation's "Top 100" recruits according to the Chicago Sun-Times, including linebacker Phil Macklin, offensive lineman Sean Bubin, quarterback Christian Morton, defensive back Marc Jackson and offensive lineman Aaron Hodges. Macklin was also selected by ESPN as one of the nation's Top 10 recruits in a televised recruiting special that aired last weekend.

The Class of 1999 includes 12 signees from the state of Illinois, four from Missouri, three from California and one each from New Jersey, Oregon, Ohio and Indiana. There are 21 high school signees and two junior college transfers in the class that most recruiting services have ranked among the nation's Top 20. High school sportswriter and recruiting analyst Taylor Bell ranked Illinois' recruiting class third in the Big Ten in the January 31 edition of the Chicago Sun-Times.

"We put this coaching staff together with geographic diversity to give us the ability to recruit nationally," said Turner. "But the bottom line remains that our success is going to come from the state of Illinois and surrounding states and cities, such as Indiana and Missouri. The surrounding areas are going to be critical to our success. We signed 12 players from Illinois, four from the state of Missouri, one from Indiana and one from Ohio. We also signed players from California, Oregon and New Jersey so we were successful on a national level yet we feel very good about our recruiting efforts in Illinois. We feel we have recruited some of the top players in the state of Illinois for the second year in a row and we're going to continue to try and improve on that effort."

The 1999 Illinois Football Recruiting Class

Name -- Pos.
Ht./Wt. -- Hometown/H.S./Junior College -- Coach

Bloodworth, Jim -- OL
6-5/255 -- Washington, N.J./Warren Hills -- Bob Lockhart

Boyle, Kenny -- TE
6-5/240 -- Chatham, Ill./Glenwood -- Dan Rourke

Bubin, Sean -- OL
6-7/265 -- Rantoul, Ill./Rantoul -- Terry Workman

Davis, Carey -- RB
6-0/220 -- Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central -- Norm Ryan

Ferguson, Jim -- OL
6-4/270 -- Morton, Ill./Morton -- Hal Chiodo

Hodges, Aaron -- OL
6-5/270 -- Country Club Hills, Ill./Rich Central -- Jon McLaughlin

Jackson, Marc -- DB
6-1/185 -- Corvallis, Ore./Crescent Valley -- Mike Fagan

Lloyd, Brandon -- DB
6-2/170 -- Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs -- Bob Beatty

Macklin, Phil -- LB
6-1/220 -- Maywood, Ill./Proviso East -- David Holmes

McGoey, Eric -- WR
6-3/182 -- Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville -- John Thorne

Morton, Christian -- QB
6-3/170 -- St. Louis, Mo./Riverview Gardens -- Darren Sunkett

Myers, Ty -- LB
6-4/200 -- Springfield, Ohio/North -- Brian Blevins

Nobles, Aaron -- LB
6-2/228 -- Rocklin, Calif./Rocklin -- Mike Wells

O'Brien, Mike -- DE
6-6/210 -- Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist -- Werner Emmrich

Richardson, Shaheed -- DE
6-3/238 -- Fontana, Calif./A.B. Miller -- John Tyree

Rucks, Chris -- OL
6-6/265 -- Lincolnshire, Ill./Stevenson -- Bill Mitz

Ruffin, Jeff -- DT
6-4/280 -- Aurora, Ill./West -- Ira Jefferson

Schumacher, Jerry -- LB
6-3/215 -- Chicago, Ill./Mt. Carmel -- Frank Lenti

Smith, Dwayne -- WR
6-2/175 -- Rantoul, Ill./Rantoul -- Terry Workman

Waller, Trayvon -- DB
6-3/185 -- Los Angeles, Calif./El Camino C.C. -- Jon Featherstone

Ward, Dustin -- QB
6-3/180 -- Champaign, Ill./Centennial -- Mike McDonnell

Washington, Terrell -- DE
6-4/235 -- St. Louis, Mo./Hutchinson J.C. -- Dave Wheeler

Wilson, Eugene -- DB
6-0/165 -- Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville -- Rick Wimmer

1999 University of Illinois Football Recruits

Jim Bloodworth
OL, 6-5, 255
Washington, N.J./Warren Hills H.S.
Coach: Bob Lockhart

All-Star Honors: A two-time all-Skyland Conference and all-area selection . . . Named 1998 Defensive Player of the Year by The Star-Gazette . . . Named first team all-area at offensive guard by The Express-Times . . . An all-West Jersey selection as an offensive lineman by Star-Ledger.

High School: Played defensive end, defensive tackle, offensive tackle and guard at Warren Hills Regional High School for Coach Bob Lockhart . . . Helped lead Warren Hills to state playoffs as a junior . . . Earned a letter in wrestling.

Personal: Full given name is James Robert Bloodworth . . . Nickname is Jimmy . . . Born January 20, 1981 in Detroit, Michigan . . . Parents are James and Kathryn Bloodworth . . . Has one brother and three sisters . . . Earned honor roll or high honor roll honors every year in high school . . . Plans to major in mechanical engineering and would like to design automotive performance parts . . . Enjoys snowboarding, water skiing, and auto restoration . . . Built a truck with his father, James. . . Past summer jobs include pizza maker, cook and landscaper.

Coach Turner on Bloodworth: "Jim is a good, solid offensive lineman who can play inside at center or either guard position. He brings toughness and the type of mentality we're looking for in our offensive linemen. He's a fighter and a competitor."

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Kenny Boyle
TE, 6-5, 240
Chatham, Ill./Glenwood H.S.
Coach: Dan Rourke

All-Star Honors: Three-time all-Central State 8 Conference selection . . . All-state selection by Chicago Sun-Times, Champaign News-Gazette, IHSA Coaches Association and Chicago Tribune . . . Honorable mention selection by USA Today.

High School: Played tight end and middle linebacker at Chatham Glenwood H.S. for Coach Dan Rourke . . . Caught 71 passes for 1,236 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior . . . Set school records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns in a single season as a senior, breaking his own marks previously set as a junior and as a sophomore . . . Helped lead team to 14-0 record and IHSA Class 4A championship during senior season . . . Helped lead Glenwood to consecutive Central State 8 conference championships in 1997 and 1998 . . . Earned four letters in football, four in basketball, and two in track . . . Was first freshman in school history to start as a freshman in football . . . Earned all-conference accolades in basketball.

Personal: Full given name is Kenneth Raymond Boyle Jr. . . Nickname is Kenny . . . Born February 19, 1981 in Springfield . . . Parents are Kenneth Sr. and Jeanne Boyle . . . Has four sisters and one brother . . . Father, Ken Sr., was a member of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees from 1989-95 and served as chairman of the board in 1994 . . . Member of National Honor Society and named to honor roll . . . Involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes . . . Hosted GCNN-23 sports news show . . . Intends on majoring in political science and pursuing a career as an attorney . . . Favorite athlete is Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe . . . Fighting Illini athletic heroes as a youngster were Howard Griffith and Jeff George . . . Lists most memorable sports moment as winning state championship in football as a senior and winning the 8th grade state basketball championship . . . Enjoys hunting, fishing, and all sports.

Coach Turner on Boyle: "Kenny gives us a dimension that we've been looking for. He's a receiver first and a blocker second as a tight end. He's a great competitor who loves to make plays in the passing game. He can stretch the field, he can get down the field, catch the ball and do something with it once he makes the catch. He's a gifted pass receiver."

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Sean Bubin
OL, 6-7, 265
Rantoul, Ill./Rantoul H.S.
Coach: Terry Workman

All-Star Honors: 1997 and 1998 first-team all-state selection by the Chicago Tribune, Illinois High School Coaches Association . . . A two-time News-Gazette all-area selection . . . Two-time all-Big 12 Conference offensive and defensive line selection . . . Named Rantoul MVP as a senior . . . Named to Prep Star All-American team . . . First-team ESPN All-American Prep squad. . . Chicago Sun-Times "Top 100" selection.

High School: Helped lead Rantoul to state playoffs as a senior . . . Played offensive line, defensive line and tight end for Coach Terry Workman . . . Earned eight varsity letters, including three in football, two in track and three in basketball.

Personal: Full given name is Sean Christopher Bubin . . . Born January 26, 1981 in Houston, Texas . . . Brother, Aaron, played football at Southern Illinois . . . Parents are Barry and Janet Bubin, owners of Miko Restaurant in Champaign . . . Major is undecided . . . Enjoys drawing and cooking.

Coach Turner on Bubin: "Sean is a big, talented and athletic offensive lineman. He has the ability to develop into one of the nation's top offensive linemen. He brings the type of toughness we're looking for along with athleticism."

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Carey Davis
RB, 6-0, 220
Florissant, Mo./Hazelwood Central H.S.
Coach: Norm Ryan

All-Star Honors: First team all-Suburban North Conference selection on offense and second team on defense as a senior . . . Second team all-district and honorable mention all-metro . . . Second team all-conference selection as a junior.

High School: Played fullback and middle linebacker at Hazelwood Central H.S. for Coach Norm Ryan . . . Rushed for over 1,000 yards during senior season . . . Team went 7-3 during both junior and senior seasons . . . Played on 1996 state championship team that posted a 13-1 record . . . Awarded varsity letters in both football and basketball.

Personal: Full given name is Carey Alexander Davis . . . Nickname is Fats . . . Born March 27, 1981 in St. Louis, Missouri . . . Parents are Carey Davis and Annette Slack . . . Has two brothers . . . Intends on majoring in psychology and pursuing a career as a social worker . . . Named to honor roll in high school . . . Favorite athlete is Dallas Cowboy cornerback Deion Sanders . . . Lists Kendall Gill as Fighting Illini athletic hero . . . Enjoys playing football and basketball . . . Most memorable sports moment was winning state championship in football during sophomore season . . . Awarded game ball in the first football game he ever played . . . Junior deacon at his church . . . Umpired little league baseball as a past summer job.

Coach Turner on Davis: "Carey is a strong, physical blocker with good running skills and is also an outstanding receiver at fullback coming out of the backfield."

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Jim Ferguson
OL, 6-4, 270
Morton, Ill./Morton H.S.
Coach: Hal Chiodo

All-Star Honors: Two-time Mid-Illini all-conference selection . . . Two-time all-area selection by the Peoria Journal-Star and Bloomington Pantagraph . . . Named honorable mention all-state by Chicago Tribune during junior and senior seasons . . . Champaign News-Gazette Top 100 all-state selection . . . Named "Up-and coming junior," all-region, and national all-star by Gridiron Greats.

High School: Played defensive tackle and center at Morton H.S. for Coach Hal Chiodo . . . Team reached IHSA playoffs all four years, including Class 4A quarterfinals during junior season . . . Morton was 9-3 during junior year and 7-3 senior year . . . Earned three varsity letters in football, one in wrestling, and freshman letters in baseball and football.

Personal: Full given name is James Michael Ferguson . . . Nickname is Ferg . . . Born July 6, 1981 in Peoria, Ill. . . Parents are Don and Jo Ferguson . . . Favorite athlete is former Illini offensive lineman Tim Simpson . . . As a center, lists most memorable athletic moments as quarterback sneaks for first downs or touchdowns . . . Was treasurer of student council in high school . . . Favorite hobby is hunting . . . Currently undecided on a major . . . Hometown of Morton is known as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World."

Coach Turner on Ferguson: "Jim has the ability to play center or guard. He's a big, physical offensive lineman with potential who is going to keep getting better."

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Aaron Hodges
OL, 6-5, 270
Country Club Hills, Ill./Rich Central H.S.
Coach: Jon McLaughlin

All-Star Honors: Two-time SICA Green all-conference selection . . . Star Newspaper all-area and offensive player-of-the-year . . . Daily Southtown all-area selection . . . Chicago Sun-Times Super 25 pick . . . All-state selection by Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Champaign News-Gazette, and IHSA football coaches . . . Best-in-the-Midwest selection by Detroit Free-Press . . . Honorable mention All-American by USA Today. . . Chicago Sun-Times "Top 100" selection.

High School: Played offensive guard and tackle and defensive tackle and end at Rich Central H.S. for Coach Jon McLaughlin . . . Earned three letters in football and two in track . . . Helped lead blocking for teammate John Stewart when he rushed for an astounding 422 yards in one game.

Personal: Full given name is Aaron Micheal Hodges . . . Nickname is A-Train . . . Born June 30, 1981 in Harvey, Ill. . . Parents are Alan and Jacqueline Hodges . . . Has one brother, Brian, who plays tight end for the Fighting Illini . . . Four uncles played college football . . . Named to honor roll eleven times in high school . . . Intends on majoring in sports management and pursuing a career as a college football coach or athletic director . . . Favorite athlete is Minnesota Vikings star defensive lineman John Randle . . . Lists Fighting Illini athletic hero as Dana Howard . . . Enjoys playing video games . . . Played the piano for six years . . . Worked as a counselor at day camp as a past summer job.

Coach Turner on Hodges: "In our opinion, Aaron is the best offensive lineman in the Midwest. He'll come in and compete for a starting job at left guard. He's a very athletic, intelligent and instinctive offensive lineman who brings a great deal of athletic ability to our offensive line."

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Marc Jackson
DB, 6-1, 185
Corvallis, Ore./Crescent Valley H.S.
Coach: Mike Fagan

All-Star Honors: First-team all-Valley League at free safety and two-time selection at punt returner . . . Named All-American by Gridiron Great, Super Prep, Prep Star, National Recruiting Advisor, and Student Sports. . . Chicago Sun-Times "Top 100" selection.

High School: Played free safety, running back, and wide receiver in addition to returning punts and kickoffs for Crescent Valley High School under Coach Mike Fagan . . . Earned three letters in football, two in basketball, and four in track . . . Was a member of Crescent Valley's 4x100 relay state championship teams in 1997 and 1998.

Personal: Full given name is Marc Elliott Jackson . . . Born May 20, 1981 in Harvey, Illinois . . . Parents are Robert and JoAnn Jackson . . . Father, Robert, is receivers coach at Illinois . . . Has one brother, Bobby, who is the starting strong safety for the Illini . . . Favorite athlete is former Heisman Trophy winner and current Oakland Raider cornerback Charles Woodson . . . Intends on pursuing a professional football career and running his own business . . . Enjoys video games, listening to music, playing other sports, and meeting people . . . Currently undecided on a major.

Coach Turner on Jackson: "Marc is a very solid football player. He was a very good running back in high school, a good basketball player and track athlete. He's also a hard-hitting safety with great instincts."

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Brandon Lloyd
DB, 6-2, 170
Blue Springs, Mo./Blue Springs H.S.
Coach: Bob Beatty

All-Star Honors: Three-time all-Suburban Big 8 conference selection . . . First-team all-region pick by Missouri-Kansas Magazine . . . All-state selection by St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

High School: Played cornerback, wide receiver, kicker, and punter at Blue Springs H.S. under Coach Bob Beatty . . . Intercepted six passes and returned one for a touchdown at cornerback . . . Caught 23 passes for 442 yards and 6 TD's as a receiver . . . Team went 10-0 two consecutive seasons . . . Earned three letters in football, four in track, and one in basketball.

Personal: Full given name is Brandon Mathew Lloyd . . . Born July 5, 1981 in Kansas City, Mo. . . Parents are James and Shirley Lloyd . . . Youngest of seven children . . . Has three brothers and three sisters . . . Favorite athlete is Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders . . . Lists Robert Holcombe as Fighting Illini athletic hero . . . Intends on majoring in broadcast journalism and wants to be a broadcaster on ESPN . . . Enjoys playing video games.

Coach Turner on Lloyd: "Brandon is an unbelievable athlete, clearing 7-1 in the high jump and an outstanding basketball player. He is a great receiver, has great speed and leaping ability. We think he can develop into an impact player at cover corner right away."

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Phil Macklin
LB, 6-1, 220
Maywood, Ill./Proviso East H.S.
Coach: David Holmes

All-Star Honors: Chicago Sun-Times Player of the Year and "Top 100" selection . . . ESPN selected Macklin as an All-American and featured him as one of the nation's Top 10 recruits . . . Earned all-state honors from Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Champaign News-Gazette . . . Reebok All-American team.

High School: One of the state's most sought-after prep players . . . Helped lead Proviso East to 7-3 mark, West Suburban Gold title and IHSA playoffs as a senior for Coach David Holmes . . . Named West Suburban Gold Player of the Year . . . Played wide receiver, running back, linebacker, kicker and punter . . . Caught 34 passes for 990 yards (29.0 average per catch) with nine touchdowns as a senior . . . Also gained 381 yards rushing, averaged 40 yards per punt, made 99 tackles as a linebacker and scored 109 points . . . A state qualifier in track (long jump) at 1998 IHSA state meet.

Personal: Full given name is Philip G. Macklin . . . Nickname is Debo . . . Born January 1, 1980 in Chicago . . . Mother is Laverna Johnson, a registered nurse . . . Enjoys bowling . . . Past summer jobs include working with handicapped children at West Suburban Special Recreation Association . . . Favorite athlete is former Proviso East star and current Atlanta Falcon safety Ray Buchanan . . . Admires former Proviso athletes such as the late Ray Nitschke, Ed O'Bradovich, Greg Foster and Glenn Rivers.

Coach Turner on Macklin: "Phil is a very versatile, gifted athlete who can dominate a game offensively or defensively. He has the athletic ability, speed and instincts to become one of college football's most dominating players."

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Eric McGoey
WR, 6-3, 182
Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton-Warrenville South H.S.
Coach: John Thorne

All-Star Honors: Unanimous DuPage Valley all-conference selection . . . Named to all-area team and Chicago Tribune all-state team. . . Named a "Super Sleeper" signee by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.

High School: Played wide receiver for IHSA Class 6A state champions and coach John Thorne . . . Caught 60 passes during senior season for 1,276 yards and 21 touchdowns . . . Team went 14-0 and won DuPage Valley conference championship . . . Placed second in conference in catches, yards, and touchdowns . . . Played only two seasons of football and won varsity letters each year . . . Won two letters in basketball and three in track . . . Was an all-conference and all-state selection in track.

Personal: Full given name is Eric Thomas McGoey . . . Born April 1, 1981 in Kettering, Ohio . . . Parents are Edward and Mary McGoey . . . Has two brothers and one sister . . . Named to honor roll every semester in high school . . . Four-time scholastic achievement award recipient . . . Intends on majoring in business and pursuing a career as an investment banker . . . Favorite athlete is Michael Jordan . . . Lists Red Grange as Fighting Illini athletic hero . . . Most memorable athletic moment is scoring four touchdowns in the IHSA Class 6A state championship game . . . Hometown of Wheaton, Ill. is known for Red Grange and the most churches per capita in the U.S.

Coach Turner on McGoey: "Eric is a player I'm really excited about because his football career is ahead of him. He's only played two years of football, has great size, speed and soft hands. He can develop into an outstanding big-time receiver."

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Christian Morton
QB, 6-3, 170
St. Louis, Mo./Riverview Gardens H.S.
Coach: Darren Sunkett

All-Star Honors: USA Today Missouri Player of the Year . . . Named St. Louis Post-Dispatch Player of the Year . . . Earned all-region, all-metro and all-district honors. . . Chicago Sun-Times "Top 100" selection.

High School: Led Riverview Gardens to Missouri Class 5A state championship as a senior, throwing for 2,543 yards as a senior and 4,957 in his career to set Missouri state prep records for Coach Darren Sunkett . . . Racked up 40 total touchdowns as a senior, throwing for 26 and running for 14 . . . Rushed for 746 yards as a senior . . . Led Riverview Gardens to 13-1 record . . . Threw for 211 yards, ran for 153 and accounted for four touchdowns in 41-34 state championship title game victory at TWA Dome . . . Threw for 200 or more yards in eight games and ran for 100 or more yards in three games as a senior . . . Earned six varsity letters, including three in football and three in basketball . . . Also earned all-conference honors in basketball.

Personal: Full name is Christian Morton . . . Born April 28, 1981 in St. Louis . . . Parents are Craig and Pamela Morton . . . Intends to major in Education . . . Favorite athlete is former Heisman Trophy winner and current NBA star Charlie Ward . . . Brother, Jeff, plays defensive back at Southern Illinois.

Coach Turner on Morton: "Christian is a very versatile athlete. He's the type of quarterback everyone likes to have. He can throw the ball and accomplish anything in the passing game yet he's also a very gifted athlete and a natural leader. He has the ability to elevate the level of play in his teammates and to take a game over by himself."

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Ty Myers
LB, 6-4, 200
Springfield, Ohio/North H.S.
Coach: Brian Blevins

All-Star Honors: Two-time Western Ohio League first team selection at defensive back . . . Named all-city, all-area, all-county, all-district, and all-region . . . An all-state selection by the Springfield News & Sun . . . "Fab 22" pick by Springfield News & Sun.

High School: Played linebacker, defensive back, defensive end, quarterback, and wide receiver for Springfield North High School under Coach Brian Blevins . . . Scored eight touchdowns in one game, throwing four and running for four, during senior season . . . Four-time letter winner in football and earned three letters in basketball . . . Averaged 13 points and nine rebounds during junior season in basketball.

Personal: Full given name is Tyrone Anthony Myers . . . Nickname is Ty . . . Born January 13, 1981 in Springfield, Ohio . . . Parents are James and Peggy Wagner . . . Has one brother and two sisters . . . Favorite athlete is Dallas Cowboys star cornerback Deion Sanders . . . Lists Simeon Rice as Fighting Illini athletic hero growing up . . . Cousin, Nick Myers, is a defensive end for Michigan State . . . Intends on majoring in telecommunications . . . Enjoys weightlifting, video games, and eating . . . Hometown of Springfield, Ohio has produced many college and pro football and baseball players.

Coach Turner on Myers: "Ty is an outstanding athlete who played quarterback and nearly every defensive position in high school. We're going to start out with him at linebacker but he could very well end up at receiver or tight end or strong safety. We just need to help him zero in on a position and unleash his tremendous athletic ability."

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Aaron Nobles
LB, 6-2, 228
Rocklin, Calif./Rocklin H.S.
Coach: Mike Wells

All-Star Honors: Two-time all-Sierra Foothill League all-conference selection at middle linebacker . . . All-area honorable mention by Sacramento Bee.

High School: Played middle linebacker and fullback at Rocklin H.S. for Coach Mike Wells . . . Earned two varsity letters in football . . . Linebacker coach at Rocklin was former Illini linebacker Bob Sebring.

Personal: Full given name is Aaron MacKenzie Nobles . . . Born July 26, 1980 in Sacramento, California . . . Parents are Rick and Kim Nobles . . . Has one sister . . . Favorite athletes include Detroit Lions star running back Barry Sanders and former NFL defensive greats Ronnie Lott and Mike Singletary . . . Lists Dick Butkus as Illini athletic hero as a youngster . . . Intends on majoring in political science . . . Three-year honor society member, two-year member of the California Scholastic Federation and served as commissioner of men's athletics on student government in high school . . . Hometown of Rocklin, Calif. is home to the San Francisco 49ers summer training camp.

Coach Turner on Nobles: "Aaron is an instinctive linebacker with great quickness and reactions with a good nose for the football. He makes a lot of plays."

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Mike O'Brien
DE, 6-6, 210
Oak Lawn, Ill./Marist H.S.
Coach: Werner Emmrich

All-Star Honors: An all-area selection by the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune . . . Named to all-Catholic League squad.

High School: Played defensive end for Marist H.S. under Coach Werner Emmrich . . . Led team in sacks both junior and senior seasons, registering nine and 10.5, respectively . . . Was second leading tackler on team . . . Team went 7-5 in Catholic League Metro Blue division . . . Earned four letters in football and three in basketball . . . Led basketball team in scoring as a junior.

Personal: Full given name is Michael Patrick O'Brien . . . Born March 15, 1981 in Oak Lawn, Illinois . . . Parents are Jack and Ruth O'Brien . . . Has one brother and one sister . . . Made honor roll two semesters in high school . . . Undecided on a major . . . Enjoys snow skiing.

Coach Turner on O'Brien: "Mike has a great future. He's very similar to Fred Wakefield with his height and can fill out to 260 or so. He plays very low, bends his knees, has a good quick burst and good athleticism."

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Shaheed Richardson
DE, 6-3, 238
Fontana, Calif./A.B. Miller H.S.
Coach: John Tyree

All-Star Honors: Three-time all-Citrus Belt League selection . . . All-region and all-American by Super Prep magazine . . . All-strength team by Super Sport magazine.

High School: Played defensive end, outside linebacker, and tight end for A.B. Miller H.S. under Coach John Tyree . . . Team went 9-2 and won Citrus Belt League championship . . . Earned three letters in football, and three in basketball and track . . . Won Big Bear slam dunk competition . . . Won three gold medals in hurdles at invitational track meets . . . Won two gold medals in powerlifting competition.

Personal: Full given name is Shaheed Sumiji Richardson . . . Nicknames are Scooter and The Steed . . . Born February 3, 1981 in Los Angeles, California . . . Parents are Kenneth and Joy Bedford . . . Has six brothers and two sisters . . . Intends on majoring in pre-law and pursuing a career as a district attorney . . . Named to honor roll three times in high school . . . Most memorable moment in sports was winning conference championship in football . . . Favorite athletes are Shaquille O'Neal and Mike Tyson . . . Lists Dick Butkus as Fighting Illini athletic hero . . . Enjoys participating in sports, lifting weights and enjoying life . . . Member of church choir.

Coach Turner on Richardson: "Shaheed has great speed and could be a defensive end or a 'Sam' linebacker. He has good size to go along with his good speed. He could develop into a very productive playmaker on defense."

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Chris Rucks
OL, 6-6, 265
Lincolnshire, Ill./Stevenson H.S.
Coach: Bill Mitz

All-Star Honors: First-team all-North Suburban Conference as a senior . . . Earned special mention all-conference following junior season . . . All-Area pick by WKRS, Pioneer Press, Chicago Sun-Times and Daily Herald . . . All-state selection by IHSA Coaches Association.

High School: Played offensive tackle, defensive end and long snapper for Adlai E. Stevenson H.S. under Coach Bill Mitz . . . Team reached IHSA playoffs all three varsity seasons including a 12-1 record and IHSA semi-final appearance during sophomore season, 9-2 record and conference championship during junior year, and 8-2 record during senior season . . . Earned three varsity letters in football, three in track, and one each in basketball and wrestling.

Personal: Full given name is Christopher Thomas Rucks . . . Nicknamed Swoll . . . Born November 1, 1980 in Elk Grove, Ill. . . Parents are Thomas and Mary Ellen Rucks . . . Comes from a great Illini family as uncle, Jim, was three-sport letterman (football, basketball, baseball) at Illinois from 1970-72 and uncle, Bill, was two-year letterwinner in basketball (1974-75) and first 7-footer in UI cage history. . . Has one sister and one brother . . . Intends on majoring in broadcast journalism and pursuing a career in sportscasting . . . Favorite athlete is Detroit Lions star running back Barry Sanders . . . Most memorable athletic moment was selection as Big Gun MVP award winner as chosen by teammates . . . Enjoys golf, singing and sculpting . . . Past summer jobs include construction and basketball officiating.

Coach Turner on Rucks: "Chris comes from a football family and is going to develop into a good offensive lineman. He loves the game of football, is a great long snapper and could develop into a top-notch offensive lineman."

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Jeff Ruffin
DT, 6-4, 280
Aurora, Ill./West H.S.
Coach: Ira Jefferson

All-Star Honors: All-DuPage Valley conference selection and named Most Valuable Lineman in league . . . First-team all-Chicagoland . . . Tabbed all-area by Chicago Sun-Times . . . Named all-state by Chicago Tribune, Champaign News-Gazette, and Beacon News.

High School: Played defensive tackle and place-kicker at West Aurora H.S. under coach Ira Jefferson . . . Earned four varsity letters in track and two varsity letters each in football and basketball . . . Helped team exceed pre-season projections and finish 5-4.

Personal: Full given name is Jeffrey Isaiah Ruffin, Jr. . . Nickname is Big Daddy . . . Born February 6, 1981 in Aurora, Illinois . . . Parents are Jeffrey I. Sr. and Lavern Ruffin . . . Has four sisters . . . Intends on majoring in business management . . . Plans to pursue a career in professional football or in marketing management . . . Enjoys sports, dancing, music, and meeting people . . . Favorite athlete is former Green Bay Packer star Reggie White . . . Most memorable sports moments are placing fifth in the discus at state as a junior and registering 13 tackles and three sacks during his senior year against Elgin H.S. . . Lists being a great dancer as something people do not know about him.

Coach Turner on Ruffin: "Jeff is an outstanding athlete, an excellent basketball player who can run. He is a playmaker with good explosiveness."

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Jerry Schumacher
LB, 6-3, 215
Chicago, Ill./Mt. Carmel H.S.
Coach: Frank Lenti

All-Star Honors: All-conference and MVP of Catholic League Metro Blue division . . . Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times all-state selection . . . All-American honorable mention by USA Today. . . Selected as a "Super Sleeper" signee by recruiting analyst Tom Lemming.

High School: Played outside linebacker, tight end, and special teams for Mt. Carmel's IHSA class 5A championship team under Coach Frank Lenti . . . Helped lead the Caravan to a 14-0 record and Chicago Catholic Metro Blue conference championship . . . Lettered in football and basketball.

Personal: Full given name is Gerald Francis Schumacher . . . Nickname is Schu . . . Born December 19, 1980 in Chicago . . . Parents are Gerald and Catherine Schumacher . . . Has one brother and two sisters . . . Member of National Honor Society . . . Plans on majoring in business . . . Favorite athlete is Michael Jordan . . . Enjoys fishing and golf . . . Lists most memorable athletic moment as winning state football championship . . . Father, Jerry, played football at the University of Michigan and sister, Katie, is a member of the Penn State volleyball team . . . Uncle, Frank Maloney, coached football at Michigan and Syracuse . . . Lists Fighting Illini athletic hero as Dick Butkus . . . Played at same high school that produced former Illini standout and current NFL star Simeon Rice.

Coach Turner on Schumacher: "Jerry is a playmaker. He's fun to watch on film because he makes plays from sideline to sideline. He has a nose for the football, can run and is a big-time hitter. He's also an excellent special teams player and comes from a great program."

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Dwayne Smith
WR, 6-2, 175
Rantoul, Ill./Rantoul H.S.
Coach: Terry Workman

All-Star Honors: Two-time all-Big 12 Conference selection at wide receiver, also earning all-league honors as a running back as a senior . . .Named to Chicago Sun-Times all-state squad . . . Was a second-team all-state selection at receiver during junior year . . . Tabbed all-region first-team by CNN/SI and All-American by Prep Star magazine.

High School: Versatile athlete played 10 positions at Rantoul H.S. for Coach Terry Workman, including wide receiver, running back, quarterback, tight end, center, linebacker, safety, kicker, punter, and kick returner . . . Team reached IHSA playoffs two consecutive seasons . . . Started all four years in football . . . Earned four varsity letters in football, four in basketball, and four in track . . . Holds school record in long jump and 110-meter high hurdles.

Personal: Full given name is Dwayne Lamar Smith . . . Nickname is Hollywood . . . Born September 8, 1980 in Champaign, Illinois . . . Parents are Lloyd and Donna Smith . . . Has one brother and two sisters . . . Earned honor roll accolades three years in high school . . . Intends to major in business law and pursue a career in business management . . . Enjoys television, music and video games . . . Past summer jobs include construction and working as a part-time mechanic at father's garage . . . Likes to cook and clean.

Coach Turner on Smith: "Dwayne is a big-time receiver with great speed, quickness and leaping ability. Rantoul had to use him at halfback last year and he showed he can make plays anywhere on the field. He can have an immediate impact at receiver for us."

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Trayvon Waller
DB, 6-3, 185
Los Angeles, Calif./Pacific Palisades H.S./El Camino College
Coach: Jon Featherstone

All-Star Honors: Named to Gridwire and Bob Griese's 1998 junior college All-American squads . . . A two-time all-Mission Conference selection at El Camino College . . . Named to Press-Telegram Top 10 JUCO list . . . Earned All-Coastal Conference and All-Westside honors as a prep at Pacific Palisades H.S., playing in the Valley Classic All-Star game.

Junior College/High School: Helped lead El Camino College to Strawberry Bowl title in one of America's top football junior college conferences under Coach Jon Featherstone . . . Junior college coach was John Featherstone . . . Played cornerback at El Camino free safety and cornerback and wide receiver, along with punt and kickoff return teams at Pacific Palisades . . . Helped lead Pacific Palisades to Coast Conference title.

Personal: Full given name is Trayvon Ray Waller . . . Born May 26, 1979 in Inglewood, California . . . Parents are Kenneth Ray Waller and Janette Marie Utsey . . . Has one brother and one sister . . . Would like to major in English and pursue a career as an English professor . . . Enjoys writing, poetry, film study and music . . . Admires Dallas Cowboys all-pro Deion Sanders . . . Past summer jobs include moving furniture . . . Enjoys writing poetry. . . Cousin, Abdul Shaheed, played defensive tackle at USC. . . Member of Unique Christian Center. . . Favorite sports moment was picking off his first career interception against Gardena High as a sophomore at Pacific Palisades.

Coach Turner on Waller: "Trayvon is a junior college cover corner who has played in a conference where they throw the ball a lot. He has experience playing against the pass and has the chance to come in and play right away."

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Dustin Ward
QB, 6-3, 180
Champaign, Ill./Centennial H.S.
Coach: Mike McDonnell

All-Star Honors: Champaign News-Gazette "Player of the Year" . . . Champaign News-Gazette all-state selection . . . Chicago Tribune all-state special mention . . . Big 12 all-conference selection.

High School: Guided Centennial to 9-0 conference record and was part of back-to-back Big 12 Conference championships under Coach Mike McDonnell . . . Led Centennial to IHSA Class 5A semifinals in 1998 . . . Threw for 2,258 yards and 27 touchdowns . . . Earned three letters in football.

Personal: Full given name is Dustin William Ward . . . Born January 21, 1981 in Urbana, Illinois . . . Parents are Steve and Arleen Ward . . . Has one brother and one sister . . . Favorite athlete is former NFL quarterback Joe Montana . . . Favorite Illini athlete as a youngster was basketball star Kendall Gill . . . Most memorable athletic moment was reaching the semifinals of the IHSA playoffs . . . Currently undecided on a major . . . Enjoys going to movies and being with friends.

Coach Turner on Ward: "Dustin is a player I'm very excited about having watched him in our camp for the last two summers. I love the way he's developed as a player. The game of football is very important to him, he's a winner and can develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten."

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Terrell Washington
DE, 6-4, 235
St. Louis, Mo./Hazelwood Central H.S./Hutchinson J.C.
Coach: Dave Wheeler

All-Star Honors: An all-Jayhawk Conference selection as a defensive end at Hutchinson Junior College . . . A high school All-American, all-conference and all-region pick at Hazelwood Central H.S.

Junior College/High School: Made 104 tackles, including 60 solos with 26 tackles for loss accounting for 118 yards in nine games at Hutchinson Junior College under Coach Dave Wheeler . . . Also recorded 12 QB sacks for 75 yards, made one interception, broke up 19 passes, forced four fumbles, recovered a fumble and blocked a kick for Coach Dave Wheeler . . . Played defensive end at Hutchinson and defensive end and tight end in high school . . . Helped lead Hazelwood Central to state championship . . . Also played basketball in high school.

Personal: Full name is Terrell Washington . . . Born September 11, 1979 in St. Louis . . . Nickname is T-Rex . . . Favorite Fighting Illini hero as a youngster was Simeon Rice . . . Parents are Roosevelt and Mary Washington . . . Has four sisters . . . Intends to major in Business Administration . . . Would like to run his own business . . . Enjoys weight lifting and basketball.

Coach Turner on Washington: "Terrell is a pass rusher who gives us the speed and quickness we need. He will have an impact as a pass rusher right away."

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Eugene Wilson, II
DB, 6-0, 165
Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville H.S.
Coach: Rick Wimmer

All-Star Honors: All-Dunlend Athletic Conference selection . . . Named conference MVP on defense . . . Two-time all-state selection . . . Named "Defensive Player of the Year" by Post-Tribune.

High School: Played cornerback, running back, and wide receiver at Merrillville H.S. . . Team went 8-3 senior season . . . Earned three letters in football and four in basketball . . . Was four-year varsity starter in basketball . . . Two-time all-conference basketball selection . . . Led team in scoring and assists.

Personal: Full given name is Eugene W. Wilson II . . . Nickname is Geno . . . Born January 20, 1981 in Merrillville, Indiana . . . Parents are Eugene and Murlean Wilson . . . Has one brother and one sister . . . Intends on majoring in business and one day owning his own real estate business . . . Enjoys food and hanging out with friends.

Coach Turner on Wilson: "Eugene is a very gifted athlete and an excellent basketball player. He can play running back, wide receiver or cornerback. He's the type of player we want in our secondary who enables us to play a lot of man-to-man coverage."