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Hint: Top state recruit could be Illini
Advisory snafu offers clue into choice by Simeon's Wilson
By Teddy Greenstein
Tribune staff reporter
December 13, 2006, 11:24 PM CST
If star football recruit Martez Wilson of Simeon wanted to build suspense before announcing his college choice, this was probably not the way to do it.
An advisory sent to numerous media outlets Wednesday stated that Wilson, the highest-rated player in Illinois, and Bloomington Central Catholic's Josh Brent would reveal their destinations during a Dec. 21 news conference at Simeon High School.
The bottom of the e-mail release contained the words "Go Illini!"
Why? Because that's part of the e-mail signature belonging to Cassie Arner, Illinois's associate sports information director. Her name also appeared on the announcement.
NCAA rules prohibit schools from discussing specific recruits or planning their news conferences. But Arner said that she merely supplied a list of media contacts to Simeon offensive line coach Paul Phillips, who then e-mailed the advisory without removing her name.
"It doesn't look the best," Arner said, "but it's perfectly legal."
Arner said she would alert Illinois' compliance department just in case there's an inquiry.
Erik Christianson, NCAA director of media relations, could not be reached for comment.
Phillips, reached late Wednesday, sounded a bit embarrassed that the Illinois reference was on the e-mail.
"It said that on there?" he asked. "My computer skills are not the best."
Phillips didn't directly confirm that Wilson would commit orally to Illinois, but he said the school has told Wilson he will be able to play both offense and defense.
Wilson, a 6-foot-4-inch, 235-pounder whom rivals.com ranks as the nation's No. 2 defensive end, covers 40 yards in about 4.5 seconds.
"He's going to start off playing both ways but I think his best chance going pro will be at outside linebacker or defensive end," Phillips said. "But he can play outside receiver. I've seen him outrun guys half his size."
Recruiting analysts say that if Illinois earns commitments from Wilson and Brent, a 6-3, 280-pound defensive tackle, the school could be on its way to a top-20 recruiting class.
