Will Illinois Land a Big Recruit?

One of the more intriguing recruiting battles -- which surely will affect Washington-area football players -- is being played out far from the Beltway.

Penn State assistant coach Larry Johnson, credited for much of the Nittany Lions' success recruiting locally, apparently is being wooed by Illinois. The Illini, you might remember, also excel recruiting locally, but recently lost ace recruiter Mike Locksley, who left to become the head coach at New Mexico (where he continues to recruit the D.C. area).

It would seem to make sense that Illinois would want Johnson to take Locksley's spot; few recruiters have his knowledge of the area and command the attention of recruits. That said, after coaching in Southern Maryland and then going to Penn State, would Johnson want to move to the midwest? More money and a better career track could be the incentives. Stay tuned.