Sep 24, 2011; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini cheerleaders celebrate a touchdown during the second half against the Western Michigan Broncos at Memorial Stadium. Illinois defeated Western Michigan 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois was fully expected to land Roberts’ signature and they landed him over offers from the Air Force Falcons, Army Black Knights, Central Michigan Chippewas, Eastern Illinois Panthers, Harvard Crimson, Illinois State Redbirds, and Wyoming Cowboys.

Austin Roberts is now the fifth recruit from the Class of 2014 to commit to the Illinois Fighting Illini.

This is a pretty nice pick-up for the Illini as their defense will need some reloading for future years to come.

In 2012, Roberts recorded 152 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one defensive touchdown.

The three-star recruit is currently ranked 11th in the state of Wisconsin and 65th among inside linebackers by 247Sports (Composite Rankings).

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Alabi has received some serious attention from the Big Ten as the Illini are the fifth Big Ten team to offer at him. The young DT/OG is also heavily interested in three other teams from the Big Ten.

Nov 24, 2011; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Tim Beckman leads his team to the field before the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

So far, the top 5 Michigan prospect has received offers from the Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Ohio State Buckeyes, Illinois Fighting Illini, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Tennessee Volunteers, and Wisconsin Badgers.

Right now, it is projected that the Detroit native is heavily interested in Michigan, Michigan State, and Ohio State and many experts believe the Wolverines will earn his commitment eventually.

The 247 Crystal Ball has the Wolverines as the 100% predicted spot for the young prospect to land.

The four-star recruit is currently ranked 4th in the state of Michigan, 24th among offensive tackles, and 216th among 2014 high school recruits by 247Sports.

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Dixon is also on the radars of the South Florida Bulls, Cincinnati Bearcats, Louisville Cardinals, North Carolina Wolfpack, North Carolina Tar Heels, Vanderbilt Commodores, and West Virginia Mountaineers.

Nov 24, 2012; Evanston, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday’s visit was an important one for the Fighting Illini due to the fact that South Florida seems to be towards the head of the pack for Dixon and Illinois is not the only Big Ten team courting him (also has an offer from Purdue).

Although he doesn’t have the best size and/or frame, one thing D’Cota Dixon does have is instincts. He is also a playmaker who contains decent ball skills, tackling, and closing speed.

The three-star recruit is currently ranked 153rd in the state of Florida and 104th among safeties by 247Sports.

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