Big Commitment for Fighting Illini

Detroit (Jesuit) wide receiver Lonnie Hurst is a "Top 100" Midwest prospect and also a top five receiver prospect in the Big Ten region. Ron Turner and Illinois received a verbal commitment from and won the recruiting battle for Hurst.

“Lonnie (Hurst) has given Illinois his verbal commitment,” said head coach Scott Mershant.

“It came down to Michigan State and Illinois. Lonnie and his parents visited Champaign in the summer and they really liked it.

“He (Hurst) liked the offensive system at Illinois and he feels like he’ll get the chance to contribute early there.”

Hurst, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound, wide receiver from Detroit (Jesuit) is among the top five receivers in the Midwest.

Jesuit head coach Scott Mershant talks about his prized recruit.

“Lonnie has tremendous hands and deceptive speed. He’s not a burner. I’d say he’s in the 4.5 too 4.6 range in the 40-yard dash.

“If he gets an opening, he won’t get caught. Lonnie has such a long stride and he’s so shifty. His vertical leap is around 36 inches.” Mershant said.

Hurst had 39 receptions for 825 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. Those numbers were good enough for honorable mention all-state honors.