The XMan lands at Illinois: Xavier Fulton verbals

Homewood-Floosmoor senior defensive linemen Xavier Fulton has ended his recruiting today and has verballed to the University of Illinois.

"I decided that I was ready to commit today" said Xavier Fulton. "I'm a solid commit to the University of Illinois."

Fulton, who as late as last weekend was considering both the Illini and Michigan State, said that "overall the great education at Illinois was a big factor, as well as the fact that Illinois is definitely a team on the rise. Also I have a great relationship with Coach (Donnie) Thompson who is the defensive line coach. We just get along really well and we have a good relationship."

So did Xavier Fulton plan this path out all along? Was Big Ten football always in his thoughts coming up in his high school career? "Not at all. I could count on one hand the amount of downs I played as a freshman. I really was not a good looking football player at all back then, and I really didn't think that it was possible to have a school pay for my education because of football until about a year or so ago. It's great overall and my family and I are really excited."