3-star Illinois athlete commits to IU

Three-star Illinois athlete Trenten Howland made a verbal commitment to Indiana on Friday, becoming the eighth member of the Hoosiers’ 2021 recruiting class.

Howland chose IU over offers from Nebraska, Purdue, Minnesota, Bowling Green, Iowa State, Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan. He’s considered the No. 22 prospect in Illinois, per the 247 Sports Composite, and the No. 58 athlete overall. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Joliet, Ill. native plays running back at Joliet West High School, though he could play defense at the college level. Here’s the scouting report from 247 Sports analyst Allen Trieu:

“Big, thickly built athlete,” Trieu writes. “Explosive on the basketball court and translates that over to football where he is a bruising tailback, but can also break longer runs. Physical and is not afraid of contact. Could be a linebacker or running back recruit. At backer, he does not have experience, but has the measureables to play there. At running back, he has to show that he has the wiggle and elusiveness to play that position and be more than just a power back. Has the skill set of a Power 5 prospect, position just has to be determined.”