Illinois comes through for patient Teitsma

In the realm of college football recruiting, late is definitely better than never.

Glenbard South's Austin Teitsma found that out over the weekend when, during an official visit to Champaign, the senior was offered a scholarship by the University of Illinois.

Only three days before Wednesday's official signing day, Teitsma jumped at the chance to play football in the Big Ten and verbally accepted the offer. The decision to join the Illini came after narrowing a list that included offers from Northern Illinois and Ball State.

"For the past two years I've been going to camps down there, so I was really hoping it'd work out," Teitsma said. "When they offered me Sunday morning, I accepted right away. I was ready."

Teitsma was a three-year starter for the Raiders who contributed at various positions including defensive end and tight end. In the fall Glenbard South claimed a share of the Western Sun Conference title, their first conference title in 32 years, and advanced to the Class 6A state quarterfinals for the second straight year.

Teitsma, 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, battled through an injury-riddled senior season to earn a second straight Daily Herald All-Area Team selection. A three-sport athlete, he's currently unbeaten as a heavyweight wrestler and last spring was a state qualifier in the shot put and discus.

That athleticism allowed him to be recruited at several different positions including fullback. Illinois, though, told Teitsma they'll play him on the defensive line.

"I'm fine playing anywhere," he said. "I just wanted to make sure I wound up in a place that was the right fit for me."