Frankfort (Ill) Lincoln-Way East senior wide receiver Matt Judd (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) decided to accept a preferred walk on spot at Illinois and gave the Fighting Illini his verbal commitment on Tuesday. Judd discusses his decision here.
"I just felt like I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play for Illinois," Judd said. "I looked at all of my options and offers and just getting the chance to play for Illinois and also get a great education at Illinois was too hard to pass up so I committed."
Judd, who was offered a preferred walk on roster spot by the Fighting Illini was able to develop a strong relationship with the Illinois coaches and that was a part of his decision.
"Illinois offered me as a preferred walk on hut they really made me feel welcomed and wanted. They really showed me a lot of love for a preferred walk on. I had great talks with head coach Lovie Smith, offensive coordinator Rod Smith plus my recruiting coach Luke Butkus. Illinois also offers great academics plus it's also close to home. It's always been a goal of mind to play in the Big Ten and now I can make that happen at Illinois."
Judd also turned down scholarship offers from other schools to accept his roster spot at Illinois.
"I had some offers from FCS and D2 schools and I also had a preferred walk on spot offer from NIU. The hardest part of the entire process was telling the coaches at those schools that I wasn't going to play for them next season. I just did what I feel is best for me and most of the coaches understand but making those calls wasn't easy."
Judd also looked back and reflected on his favorite moments from his recently completed high school football career.
"Last season when we won the Class 8A state title was my favorite moment. Also just losing two games in my entire high school career is another favorite moment. Nothing beats high school football and playing on Friday nights. I will definitely miss all of it."
Matt Judd is verbally committed to Illinois.
