On300 RB Ca'lil Valentine commits to Illinois: 'I felt like I fit right into their program'

Illinois was a little late to the party for Chandler (Ariz.) four-star running back Ca’lil Valentine.

The Fighting Illini were the last of more than 20 programs to offer him and had never hosted him on a visit before his official visit last month. Heading into that trip, Utah was at the top of his list. But after a weekend in the Midwest, everything changed.

On Saturday, he announced for Illinois, giving Bret Bielema and Co. another talented offensive weapon in the 2024 cycle.

“Utah was on top at first, they were my No. 1 and I liked them a lot,” he told On3. “But when I went to Illinois, I liked the environment I was in, the coaching staff and I felt like I fit right into their program and their offense. After watching some of the plays, it reminded me a lot of my high school offense.

… I felt very comfortable. It was a place I could see myself in, and I bonded with the players and coaches.”

Coaching staff at Illinois answered all of Ca’lil Valentine’s questions

After the visit, left thinking that he still liked Utah. But after going home, talking to his parents and breaking down each program, he knew he wanted to go to Illinois.

“I went back home for a few days, broke everything down, and my parents gave me some questions to think about,” he said. “When it came down to it, I really liked Illinois. It was tough, at times it was really stressful. I was blessed to be in the position, but it was also a lot of work. It’s the biggest decision to this point in my life.”

Even though it wasn’t the longest relationship he’d had with a coaching staff, his connection to Bielema and running backs coach Thad Ward was a key factor in the decision.

“Definitely Coach Ward, the offensive coordinator, and their offense,” he added. “And also the opportunity to be able to play as a freshman.”

Valentine also believes in Bielema is building after finishing 8-5 last year and loves what he has been able to historically with running backs.

“I like him a lot, he’s a really good, down-to-earth dude. I think he really has this program on the come-up, and he’s gotten a lot of great running backs into the league. And I want to be one of those backs.”