Naperville North's LaCosse opts for Illinois

The more he thought about it, Naperville North senior football player Matt LaCosse just didn't feel right about his decision to commit to Minnesota.

Committing to Illinois feels a whole lot better.

"When I first visited Illinois this weekend I was still up in the air about what to do," said LaCosse, who will play tight end for the Illini. "But talking to my dad on the way home it was just obvious that it was the right spot."

LaCosse, a three-year varsity player for the Huskies and two-year starting quarterback, committed to Minnesota in July. When the Gophers fired head coach Tim Brewster in October, however, LaCosse's mixed feelings about his commitment deepened.

Jerry Kill, who last month left Northern Illinois to become Minnesota's new head coach, made a visit to LaCosse's house on Thursday. Even though LaCosse was impressed by Kill he chose to keep his options open.

Last weekend's visit to Champaign, on the heels of visits to Minnesota and Purdue, sealed the 6-foot-7, 225-pound LaCosse's decision to verbally commit to Illinois on Monday.

In addition to the positive impression made by coach Ron Zook and the Illinois players, staying close to home was a decisive factor for LaCosse.

"It's tough but I just think I committed too early and Minnesota was never really a fit for me," said LaCosse, who this fall accounted for more than 2,100 total yards for the Huskies.

"It's a huge relief. I just really think Illinois is the right place for me."