Paul James Commits To The Illini

Earlier this week, we found out that one of our few DL commits was defecting to Purdue. It wasn't a backbreaking defection, but it did leave the team in a bit of a weak spot as there were now only three defensive lineman coming in this fall.

But that has all changed this morning, as defensive end Paul James out of Miami's Norland High School has accepted his offer to come play for our Illinois Fighting Illini. That's right, we actually have good recruiting news to tell you here at the Champaign Room! Bask in the warm feelings!

James had originally been committed to West Virginia before flipping.

So what are we potentially getting in James? A strong three star pass rushing DE. His video is much more impressive than Panfil's, as are his rankings (20th ranked DE, 60th ranked Floridian according to Rivals) and offer list (Alabama, Florida State, West Virginia, Miami, Texas A&M). While he's not a four or five star recruit, it's a pretty nice feeling having a player pick us over a murderer's row of programs like those mentioned.

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