Mikale Wilbon is happy with how his recruitment is going, but that doesn’t mean the 2014 Chicago running back is satisfied.
“I just got an offer from Illinois,” the 5-foot-9, 195-pounder from De La Salle said. “That makes three, I have Iowa, Purdue and Illinois. I’ve been in contact with Arizona State, Michigan State, Ohio State and a little bit of Mississippi State.
“I want more, so I’m going to keep scrapping to get more.”
Wilbon, who has been clocked at 4.42, was limited to just four games his junior season after suffering a sprained knee. Wilbon rushed for 853 yards and 12 touchdowns in those four games. De La Salle was 3-1 with Wilbon in the lineup, but just 1-4 without him, finishing the year at 4-5.
Wilbon tries to pattern his game after Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson because he likes their total packages.
“They can both do it all, catching, speed, agility, footwork,” he said. “They can do everything. I feel like I’m an all-around back.”
There hasn’t been an extensive amount of contact with Notre Dame to this point, but Wilbon has talked with running backs/slot receivers coach Tony Alford.
“He said they’re showing interest and they like my highlight tape and I should make a visit,” said Wilbon. “I haven’t had time because I’ve had other games scheduled.”
Wilbon’s 2014 teammate, offensive lineman Jamarco Jones, was considering a trip to South Bend this weekend, but won’t be making it. Wilbon won’t be making it either as he’s already scheduled to be at Purdue. He’s been to games at Michigan and Iowa so far this fall.
“They were real good,” he said. “The big thing that really stood out was the fan bases. They were really loud from beginning to end, both teams. I went to the Iowa game against Penn State. They lost, but the fans were crazy. I went to Michigan’s Homecoming against Illinois and the crowd at the Big House was loud of course. I liked that experience.”
While Wilbon hasn’t seen the Irish play in person, he has paid attention to them this season.
“They’re doing really good,” he said. “I was watching them play Oklahoma, that was a big win. They’re doing real good.”
And the things Wilbon is looking for in a college could lead to him giving the Irish a long look.
“I want to major in business, so I want a school that has a good business program. I want a family-orientated atmosphere, a pro-style, spread offense, good line, good coaching staff and location is a factor too. I’d like my mom to be able to come to my games.”
