Illini land 'rare' talent in Fuller

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Thornton fullback Greg Fuller can do it all. He can run routes out of the backfield, catch passes, carry the ball in the option and even play defense if needed.

But it’s Fuller’s ability to block – in a bruising, hole-clearing fashion – that made him a Division I recruit. On Saturday, Fuller ended his recruiting process with an oral commitment to Illinois.

Fuller reportedly chose the Illini over offers from Notre Dame, Iowa, Boston College, Wisconsin and Indiana.

“He is a good catch for Illinois,” recruiting analyst Tom Lemming said. “He's got the size and he can run, catch and block.”

According to Lemming, Fuller is one of the top two fullbacks in the state, along with Lemont’s Tyler Burns.

“He looks like (former NFL running back) Jerome Bettis out there,” Lemming said. “He’s big and he can run. He is going to really help protect (Illinois quarterback) Juice Williams.”

At 6-1 and 242 pounds, Fuller is an intimidating presence in the backfield who can bench 350 pounds and flatten linebackers, but who is also quick enough to elude potential tacklers.

“He’s really a gifted athlete for his size frame,” Thornton coach Bill Mosel said. “He can really do it all.”

Mosel called Fuller “very coachable” and “a team leader.”

“He is going to be a four-year varsity starter for us, which in our program is rare,” Mosel said. “He brings leadership to the team.”

Fuller is the third Chicago area player of the Class of 2009 to commit to Illinois, joining Leo linemen Leon Hill and Lendell Buckner. Proviso East defensive back Corey Cooper (Class of 2010) also gave the Illini a verbal commitment.

"Greg would have been a good catch for anybody,” Mosel said. “I think [the Illini] will be very pleased with him.”

ajahns@chicagosuntimes.com