BREAK: Michigan key man depart to Illini

Corey Parker wasted no time securing his first recruiting victory within just a month of his tenure. The new Illinois secondary coach, originally from Detroit, leveraged his strong connections in the Motor City to swiftly secure a commitment from three-star Roseville (Mich.) defensive back Desmond Straughton. Straughton committed to Illinois on Sunday after an official visit to the campus and is currently the highest-rated prospect in the Illini’s Class of 2025, as per 247Sports.

In recent years, Illinois defensive line coach Terrance Jamison has made strides in Michigan, bringing in players like Mason Muragin and Jeremiah Warren, and briefly securing four-star AJ Dennis, who later transferred to Michigan State after one semester. Parker’s extensive experience as a high school coach in Detroit is expected to boost Illinois’ recruiting efforts in Michigan, a state known for producing a high number of power-conference prospects in the Midwest, behind only Ohio and Illinois. Straughton’s commitment is an encouraging early indication of Parker’s impact.