Illinois football lands Demetrius “D” John

Illinois football lands Demetrius “D” John

This weekend’s visit has begun to pay dividends for the Illini. Dublin, Ohio native Demetrius “D” John has committed to Illini football, making his commitment official via Twitter about 20 minutes ago:

217… Let’s do this thing! I-L-L #HTTO 🔹🔸 #Committed pic.twitter.com/EAD0RwkmAW

— 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐮𝐬 "𝐃" 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 ✞ (@D2xJohn) June 12, 2023

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive lineman is the second player from Ohio to commit to the Illini in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Angelo McCullom, another defensive lineman, made his commitment official during the spring. Per 247sports, John is the 80th-ranked defensive lineman in the country and the 30th-ranked player in Ohio. McCullom is ranked 90th and is the 31st-ranked defensive lineman in the state. John had several Power Five offers, including Vanderbilt, Boston College, and Big Ten rival Indiana. Several Group of Five schools also offered him, including Akron, Bowling Green, and Toledo. Defensive line coach Terrance Jamison led the charge to sign John.

What it means for Illini football

Bret Bielema and his staff understand winning in the Big Ten takes talent and depth along the defensive and offensive lines. Barring injuries, the Illini are likely to lose Jer’Zahn Newton and Keith Randolph, Jr. to the NFL Draft. Having a player like John in the pipeline is a must. Illinois is a developmental program and has proven that it can prepare players for Big Ten football’s rigors. In addition, Bielema’s staff is winning Power Five recruiting battles. Johh had offers from three Power Five teams, and fellow Ohioan Angelo McCullom had an offer from Pitt.

Though neither player is a blue-chipper, their measurables and frames that can take on more weight are precisely what defensive coordinator Aaron Henry, Terrance Jamison, and the Illini defensive staff are looking for in linemen. John projects as a four technique in Illinois’ base 3-4 defense with the ability to flex out to the five when they go to four down linemen.