Woods will make trip to Illinois

Posted Feb 3, 2010 by Adam Adkins

Updated Feb 4, 2010 at 02:50 PM

While the recruiting process ends for several football players on National Signing Day, that’s not the case for everyone. In fact, Wednesday just happened to offer the latest wrinkle in the process for D.J. Woods.

Robinson’s senior defensive lineman, a Tribune All-Hillsborough County first team pick in 2009, was invited to make an official visit to Illinois, Knights coach Mike DePue said. DePue said Woods will make the trip this weekend.

Woods has given a verbal committment to Savannah State but he did not sign with the Football Championship Subdivision program on Wednesday. He also has garnered a late offer from South Dakota. However, should the Illini extend an offer during the trip, DePue said Woods is more than likely going to accept and sign with the Big Ten program next week.

DePue said this recruiting situation could play out like the one a few years ago involving Javier Arenas, who didn’t garner much interest in the recruiting process before Alabama swooped in late with an offer.

Arenas eventually became an All-American and helped the Crimson Tide win a national championship this season.