Illinois lands three-star, in-state OT Casey Thomann

Casey Thomann is a three-star offensive tackle from Olney, Illinois and he's decided to stay in-state to play college football.

At 6-foot-7 and 302 pounds, he's a big recruit.

That's literal.

The rankings suggest that for Illinois, he's a big deal as well.

The 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No.

12 recruit in the state.

In order for head coach Bret Bielema to improve on last season's great 10-3 record while keeping Illinois a contender in the stacked Big Ten, winning all the in-state recruiting battles possible is extremely important.

Keeping the top recruits in the state with the Illini can't be understand for Bielema, and it sounds like he and his staff did a great job with Thomann.

Its a place Ive known for awhile.

Its in my home state.

Ive been on many visits.

Ive been with that coaching staff for years now.

It felt like the best place for me athletically, academically and socially," Thomann told Steve Wiltfong of On3 .

Keeping that Illini brand strong in state is undoubtedly one of Bielema's top goals on the recruiting trail, so he and his staff will have to be thrilled with Thomann's commitment, especially with schools like Iowa, Iowa State and Nebraska also in the mix.

Its home, Thomann said of Illinois.

Everywhere in my hometown and around me its all Illini.

Its just the best fit for me and Im ready to get to work.

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician.

Spooky! @KulhaSports.

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