Illinois Football: Illini continue to build defense with Michigan edge rusher

The Illinois football team bolstered up its depth at the edge position after landing this three-star prospect.

Three-star 2023 defensive end Mason Muragin announced on Tuesday that he has committed to continue his athletic journey for the Illini.

Muragin is a 6-foot-4, 235-pound defensive end currently attending De La Salle Collegiate High School in Warren, Michigan. While leading the Pilots to a state championship, Muragin earned All-Catholic, All-County, and All-Region honors during the 2021-22 season.

According to 247Sports, Muragin is a three-star recruit and ranked as the No. 1037 player in the class of 2023. He is also ranked the No. 20 player in Michigan and the No. 86 edge rusher in the nation.

Besides the Orange and Blue, the Michigan native has earned 14 additional offers from Group of Five programs including Air Force, Army, Central Michigan, and Navy among others.

What type of player is Illinois football commit Mason Muragin?

Muragin possesses all the traits one would want in an edge rusher; length, speed, and great handwork.

Watching his film, the three-star recruit is quick off the ball and is great at using his hands to evade blocks in pursuit of the ball carrier. In addition, his speed and quickness allow him to close in quickly on ball carriers in the backfield – racking up 12.5 sacks and a school-record 31 tackles for loss last season.

What is another notable feat carried by Muragin? He is a proven winner.  He led the Pilots to an undefeated state championship run and will bring a winning culture to an Illinois program that has struggled to do just that throughout the last decade.

With his commitment, Muragin became the 12th member of the 2023 recruiting class, which ranks No. 32 in the country.  Head coach Bret Bielema and staff are on track to build the highest-ranked recruiting class since finishing at No. 29 in 2009.