Four-star running back Robert Hughes (5-11, 228, 4.6), from Hubbard High School in Chicago, denies a leader, but said he favors Notre Dame, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin. Hughes visited the Fighting Irish this past weekend with five-star defensive end Martez Wilson.
"The visit was during a heavy storm so a lot of the recruits that were going to attend this official visit to Notre Dame had to cancel and reschedule," Hughes said.
"The visit was pretty structured. Day one was all about academics. We met a lot of the professors and educational staff. Day two we got to watch the Irish practice and meet some of the players. On day three we had staff meetings with our coaches. I meet with Coach Michael Haywood (offensive coordinator/running backs) for about one and a half hours. I think he's a cool guy. We vibed right away and I think he's a great running backs coach.
"I'll be visiting Illinois this weekend (December 8)," he said. "I've had contact with Illinois since I was a sophomore. In fact, after camp my sophomore year, Illinois made me an offer. They were the first to offer and I have a lot of love for them. I have the strongest relationship with Coach Reggie Mitchell (running backs). We have been close for a long time. Coach Mitchell isn't just a football coach. I could turn to him with any problem. He doesn't only care about the player but also the person.
"A lot of people, no one close to me, have opinions about me attending Illinois. I don't let it pressure me because they want me to go there. I have to put myself first and do what is best for me.
"When I think of Michigan, I think of tradition, a top-notch academic program and one of the best coaching staffs in football. I also think of them being in the championship year-after-year. Coach Andy Moeller (offensive line) says that he wants me to help them make touchdowns. If I end up going to Michigan--you bet I will. I haven't planned an official visit to Michigan yet, but I am trying to fit it in somewhere.
"My friend Marques Walton (defensive tackle) plays for Michigan," Hughes said. "He's a huge fan, not just a player, of Michigan and wants me to go there. I know it's a great school, but so are a lot of other schools.
"I'll be visiting Ohio State the weekend after Illinois (December 15). The Buckeyes show a lot of structure and I think that the school speaks for itself. If my resume says I graduated from Ohio State, it might get moved to the top of the pile. I think they prepare their players for the next level. Lets face it--the NFL is the ultimate goal.
"I speak to both coaches Jim Tressel and Dick Tressel (running backs)," he said. "I respect them both and think very highly of them. They are a big part of the reason why I am considering the Buckeyes.
"Wisconsin did an in-home visit last night. They impressed me very much. They are sixth in the nation and showing a lot of improvement. They're running the ball and have great linemen.
"Around this time of the year all the coaches are calling all of the time," Hughes said. "Everyone tries to put pressure on you to make a decision. The bottom line is that I plan on doing what is best for me. That's making sure I feel comfortable with the school's program, can I help the team and will I feel comfortable at the school?
"Now that the championship is over, we lost to Brother Rice (24-14), I'm taking this month to really look at all my schools and take all my official visits. I'll be making the decision, no one else. My parents just want me to do what will make me happy.
"If for some reason I don't make my announcement on January 6 at the Army All-America game, then I'll be calling a press conference."
Final senior (11-4) stats: 1700 rushing yds/23 TDs
Hughes reports a 2.5 core GPA and a 17 ACT.