Illinois OL to the Pac-12

Orland Park (Ill.) Sandburg senior offensive guard recruit Yanni Demogerontas (6-foot-5, 270 pounds) made a weekend official visit to Oregon State and gave the Beavers his verbal commitment.

"I was at Oregon State this past weekend and gave them my verbal commitment," Demogerontas said. "It feels great to make my decision and I'm excited about it and my family is also excited as well."

Demogerontas talked about why he decided to commit to the Oregon State Beavers.

"I really wanted to visit and see the school in person along with meeting the coaches and the players before I made a decision. I had a great official visit and felt very comfortable with the coaches and really everyone at Oregon State. Coach (Mike) Riley and the rest of the coaches just made me and my Dad feel welcomed. I got along great with the players and by the end of the visit I was ready to commit. I talked it over with my Dad and I gave them my commitment. Oregon State is offering me a great chance and opportunity that I just couldn't pass up."

Demogerontas, who drew more and more recruiting interest late this summer after a handful of impressive camp performances, talked about what stood out on his weekend official visit.

"I really liked the campus the facilities and the game day experience at Oregon State. The players are all really great guys and made me feel like a part of the team already . I liked how close the facilities are and how laid out everything is at Oregon State. Also the roster situation is good for me. They are graduating some tackles and they feel I can come in and compete right away. I still need to add more weight and size but the coaches feel I'll be able to get to 290/300 pounds in no time. I was a Oregon State on Thursday night and didn't get back until late last night (Saturday). I honestly didn't want to come back home."

Demogerontas is thrilled to have his college choice completed.

"It's exciting and I'm just thrilled at how things worked out. Oregon State is taking a chance on me despite the injury (broken foot) and that makes this even more special. My Dad is also just thankful to Coach Riley and everyone for the great hospitality at Oregon State. I can't wait to get back to work."

Yanni Demogerontas is verbally committed to Oregon State.