"They (Illinois) already filled their spots," said Scout.com's No. 56 running back nationwide. "I now favor Michigan State, Iowa, Wisconsin and Alabama. If I had to give any school a slight advantage right now, it would be Iowa (Dec. 8 official trip), but I'm very open-minded.

"Iowa is recruiting me the hardest. I get about 15 letters a week from all their coaches. I'd have a good opportunity to play early there because two of their senior running backs are graduating. Coach (Phil) Parker (defensive backs) is recruiting me.

"I could probably play the earliest at Iowa but Wisconsin (Nov. 9) said they need a gamebreaker and that I could be their guy. Coach (John) Settle (running backs) is a coach I like a lot. He's got a good personality and he's played in the NFL. We've developed a very good relationship.

"My dad (Mark Ingram, Sr.) played for Michigan State (and also in the NFL for the Giants, Packers, Dolphins and Eagles from '87 to '96). He doesn't have any preference though and just wants me to do what's best for me," Ingram said.

"Of all the official trips I have taken so far (Michigan State, Iowa and Wisconsin), I liked my trip to Michigan State (Dec. 1) the most. I'm already familiar with some of their players and I have friends and a cousin on the team.

"My trip to Alabama next weekend (Jan, 11) will probably be my last official trip," he said. "I'll be going alone because it costs a lot for parents to fly. My dad's familiar with Nick Saban and I've spoken over the phone with him a couple of times but I've never been to Alabama before.

"I have 24 different offers and my favorites all give me different opportunities," Ingram said. "They all want me for running back though. Defensive back would be an alternative position for me. One of my main strengths is that I'm so versatile. Florida recruited me for defensive back but they never offered me.

"I'd like to decide maybe a couple of weeks after my last visit," Ingram concluded. "I'll have to sit down with my family and see what's best. I couldn't tell you where I'd go now. But if I had to name a team with any lead, it would be Iowa, only slightly. I could probably play earliest there."