Missouri TE - Kazeem Alli

The University of Illinois hired a new football coach today and that’s just fine with Missouri tight end Kazeem Alli. Alli is scheduled to visit Illinois this weekend and he can’t wait to let Ron Zook know that he feels he could be the next Ben Troupe at Illinois.

“I’m excited and ready to go,” Kazeem Alli said. “I was called a couple of nights ago and told that I shouldn’t make any plans this weekend because I was still scheduled for an official visit to Illinois.

“I was told that Ron Zook was going to be the next head coach and I’m very excited about that. Florida always had a good passing game. As a tight end, I always looked up to Ben Troupe, who played for Florida.”

Alli visited Michigan State (offer) in November but the Spartans didn’t make Kazeem’s latest list of favorites.

“My top three right now are Illinois, Cincinnati and Arkansas State. I’m keeping Michigan State in mind but they aren’t in my top three.

“I went to Cincinnati last weekend and had a good trip. I’ll be at Illinois (12/10) this weekend and Arkansas State (12/17) before Christmas.”

Alli finished the 2004 season with 21 receptions for 400 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was named all-metro.