ESPN

Plainfield Central senior defensive tackle Bryce Douglas committed to Illinois on Friday.

Douglas, who is 6-2 and 330 pounds, was offered by the Illini after participating in a linemen camp on Friday and committed within minutes. Both of his parents attended Illinois, and his father, Bruce Douglas, played basketball for the Illini.

“I’ve always loved Illinois,” Douglas said. “I’m really excited.”

Douglas was also receiving interest from Boston College, Central Michigan, Indiana and Nebraska, among others.

Illinois had been recruiting Douglas for some time, but he hadn’t received an offer. He said he was told by an Illinois assistant to attend Friday’s camp and show the staff how hard he’s been working.

“I just had to do my part,” Douglas said. “I was really focused, and I knew I was down there for one reason, and that was to try to get a scholarship offer. I did what had to be done. I had to step up and get my mind right. That’s what I did.

“I was excited [when I received the offer.] It took a minute to sink in. Words can’t describe it.”

Illinois now has 12 Class of 2013 commitments and five from in-state recruits.