ST. LOUIS — Jeremy Maclin is a heck of an advisor for Jacob Eberhart. Maclin, the Kirkwood (Mo.) High School football coach, has been where Eberhart wants to be.
Maclin was a two-time All-American at Missouri (2007-08) and hauled in 182 receptions for 2,315 yards and 22 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Tigers before becoming a first-round NFL Draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles and earning Pro Bowl honors in 2014 during an almost decade-long NFL career.
Maclin became a key figure in Eberhart's development during the last two years and guided the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Composite four-star prospect through a recruitment that included 31 Power Four offers.
"[Maclin] always told me to be humble," Eberhart told Illini Inquirer. "He helped create the man in me, and I appreciate it."
Eberhart ended his recruitment on Saturday by announcing a commitment to Illinois, his late father's alma mater, over Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska and Alabama.
"Illinois just felt like home," Eberhart told Illini Inquirer. "Coach Mac, he sat me down in the locker room, and he told me, 'Whatever feels like home, that's where we going.' At the end of the day, it wasn't about business; it was about relationships, and I feel like they bonded most with me. That's why I chose Illinois because it just meant so much to me. They all just seemed like they love me."
Illini Inquirer caught up with Maclin to discuss Eberhart as a prospect.