Ked's Recruiting Roundup - A.J. Dennis Commits to The Illini

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

November 27, 2023

Ked's Recruiting Roundup

 

By Kedric Prince - IlliniGuys.com Director of Recruiting

Nov. 27, 2023

 

Four-star offensive lineman Andrew Dennis has committed to Illinois. Just when things appeared to be somber for the Illinois football program, head coach Bret Bielema has landed one of the nation's top linemen. 

Dennis, a guard for Mount Pleasant, Michigan, is 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, and had an official visit to Illinois this past weekend when the Illini played their last game at home against Northwestern.

Illinois has done a great job of evaluating talented players early in their careers; Dennis was one of those prospects, being the first Power 5 program to offer him. 

Dennis is a 2024 prep who originally committed to Michigan State. But after the coaching situation changed with head coach Mel Tucker being relieved of his duties, Dennis opened up his recruitment. He visited Penn State and Clemson and sources felt he was a lock to play for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, but Illinois was able to convince him to come back to Champaign for another visit. After this weekend seeing first-hand what Illinois had to offer, the deal was over. Dennis told the Purdue Boilermakers he was no longer going to visit them; he had found his new home.

Dennis told IlliniGuys previously, “I really like Coach (Bret) Bielema and Coach (Bart Miller). They have a great track record of developing successful offensive linemen.”

Dennis is a great student, having a 4.03 GPA, and was named to the Adidas All-American team. 

 

Follow me on Twitter: @KedPrince4 

email: KedIlliniGuys@gmail.com

 

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