East St. Louis defensive back Green commits to Illinois

Stanley Green, a senior defensive back for the East St. Louis High football team, on Sunday gave a verbal commitment to Illinois.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Green made the announcement on Twitter. He becomes the first player to commit to the Illini since Bill Cubit became the permanent head coach after finishing the season as an interim. Illinois fired Tim Beckman before the start of the season.

Green’s decision is non-binding until he signs a letter of intent in February. He chose the Illini over Iowa State, Northern Iowa and North Dakota State.

Two other players from the metro-east, East St. Louis offensive lineman Tre’Vour Simms and O’Fallon running back Kentrail Moran, previously gave commitments to Illinois.

“I knew I wanted to commit for about two weeks now,” Green told scout.com. “What convinced me that this is the place for me was the family feel and how everyone on the football team has the same goal. And that goal is not only win the Big Ten championship, but also the national championship as well.

“Having a teammate like (Simms) on my team, I know he will push me to be the best and he will never let me be ok with just being average.”

Green had 48 tackles, one sack and two interceptions in five games this season. A teachers’ strike forced the Flyers (3-6) to forfeit their final four games.

Illinois was 5-7 this season.

This story was originally published December 6, 2015 at 6:08 PM with the headline "East St. Louis defensive back Green commits to Illinois."