Martez Wilson, a top defensive end who recently committed to the University of Illinois, explained the impression he got from Illinois coach Ron Zook:
“When he first started recruiting me, it felt like I was family to him already,” Wilson said at a press conference to announce his commitment. “I felt he was no uptight white coach.”
I always liked Willingham, but he seemed to be an uptight black coach. That’s initially why I decided not to use my remaining 4 years of eligibility here.