RIVIERA BEACH – A watershed moment has occurred today (June 27) for the Inlet Grove high school football program.
At about 12 noon, Teremun “TJ” Lott (2023 ATH) posted on his Twitter account that he has ended his recruiting process by going with Illinois as his college choice.
The Inlet Grove senior-to-be is said to be the school’s first Power 5 commit in its history. This finding was confirmed by head coach Rashad Jackson.
“This is a big-time moment for our Inlet Grove program,” Jackson said. “The administration is really happy about this. The Illinois commitment just means the world to TJ. For him to get a committable Power 5 offer, it’s a big accomplishment right now for him. He’s worked really hard for this. He deserves it.”
Jackson sees Lott as a great asset for the Illinois college football program.
“He loves the game,” Jackson said. “He has a lot of speed, which is going to help the Illinois program in a big way. He’s the first one in the weight room. He’s the first one to get himself ready and hit the field. He’s what Illinois needs.”
Lott credited Jackson for helping him earn the Illinois offer, which came to him on May 19.
“He’s a great coach who knows what he’s doing,” Lott said. “He has changed our program around. He’s going to do what it takes to win. But he’s more than just your coach. You can actually have real life conversations with him.”
With that being said, Lott’s official visit to Illinois (June 24-26) proved to be the decision maker here. He said he really felt at home this past weekend.
“The coaching staff really made this happen,” the 6-foot, 170-pound athlete said. “They have family written all over their facilities. They show you that by welcoming you in. I really like the vibe up there.”
Lott loved the level of positivity that Illinois head coach Bret Bielema showed to him throughout the official visit experience.
“The head coach (Coach B) is very funny,” Lott said. “He’s always smiling. He’s a cool dude who will light your day up.”
Lott shared his commentary on Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
“Coach Lunney, he cracks me up,” Lott said. “He’s a bright-spirited guy.”
Lott shared his sentiment on Illinois assistant head coach/wide receivers coach George McDonald.
“Coach McDonald is very serious and passionate about his game,” Lott said. “But when it’s time to joke, he’s funny as well.”
Lott’s parents (Saneria Johnson and Redd Johnson) were impressed with the Illinois coaching staff.
“That was a really good blessing from God,” Lott said. “Family is everything to me. It’s a plus one that the coaching staff made my parents feel welcome from the time we arrived until the time we left.”
Another plus for Lott is that Illinois already has 26 players on its roster from the state of Florida.
“I guess it will be 27,” Lott said. “They all made me feel at home.”
A scholar-athlete at heart, Lott (currently with a 3.0 GPA at Inlet Grove) spoke on the all-around support he will get at Illinois.
“There’s not too many distractions that would keep me from doing my work on and off the field,” Lott said. “I like that a lot.”
Now with the recruiting process officially finished, Lott will turn his attention to the upcoming fall season at Inlet Grove.
“Bigger and better things coming this season,” Lott said.
Lott’s teammate and close friend TJ Mann feels the same way about these next several months ahead and beyond.
“Me and him planned on this and it’s just now falling into place,” Mann said. “Neither of us are going to stop now. In this upcoming season, we’re going to put Inlet Grove on a showcase for Palm Beach County as a whole.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Illinois Football
