Illini Commit Nick Allegretti Named a U.S. Army All-American

On January 4 the U.S. Army All-American Bowl will be played in San Antonio. It's an annual game that features the best high school seniors in the county, and Illini fans haven't had a real reason to watch it since Justin Green -- a four-star cornerback at the time -- played in the game in 2009.

Well, it looks like we're going to have a reason to watch this year's game.

Matt Daniels of the News-Gazette reports that Nick Allegretti, the center from Frankfort who committed to Illinois back in March, will play in this year's game. He found out in August.

Which is good news for Illinois. It's good because the three-star Allegretti is the only offensive lineman currently in the 2014 class, but the fact he's an All-American means we're getting quality if not quantity. The only other players from Illinois selected to the game this year are Michigan State offensive line commit Brian Allen and linebackers Nyles Morgan and Clifton Garrett.

Allegretti is the eighth Illini player to be selected to the game, joining Green (2009), Reggie Ellis (2008), Arrelious Benn, Martez Wilson, D'Angelo McCray (all three in 2007), Rashard Mendenhall (2005) and Cyrus Garrett (2002).

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