Illinois extended an offer to Evanston (Ill.) 2022 outside linebacker Sebastian Cheeks on January 20th.
Cheeks is a top 15th ranked outside linebacker prospect in the country and is a top-150 prospect nationally in the 2022 class.
Illini Pulse caught with Cheeks to go in-depth on his offer from Illinois, chat with Illinois coach Bret Bielema, and how he now has a chance to be a UI athlete, just like his dad.
We first discussed how he felt to get offered by Illinois. “Being a hometown kid, it’s huge.” Cheeks said. “Honestly, to finally establish that relationship and communication. Also, it being my dad’s alma mater holds weight.”
He spoke to me about his chat with Coach Bielema when he offered him. “Solid.” he said. “He made it clear the type of impact he felt I could have on the program and why I fit in so well.” Cheeks was added to the All-American Bowl roster on January 14 and he’s fully committed to playing in the game next January in San Antonio.
Sebastian Cheeks is one of the most talented prospects in the class of 2022. The 6-2, 210-pounder has already racked up scholarship offers from the likes of Illinois, Norte Dame, Michigan, Wisconsin, Oregon, Iowa, Texas, Stanford and many others across the country. With those offers, I asked what stands out about Illinois. “It feels good to develop new relationship with the coaching staff.” he said. “I love the approach they are taking and how they are coming after hometown kids hard.”
