Dec. 20, 2000

University of Illinois head football coach Ron Turner announced today the signing of two junior college standouts, Jamie Hanton and Mario Ivy, to letters of intent. The two will be joining the Illini in January.

Hanton is a 6-3, 295-pound defensive tackle who hails from Corona, Calif. He was a two-year starter at Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., for coach Carl Beach. He was an all-conference performer in 2000 and participated in the Southern California Bowl each of the past two seasons.

Ivy is a 6-3, 225-pound defensive end who was an all-region and all-conference defensive end this season at Ellsvorth Junior College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. The Edwardsville, Ill.-native registered 73 total tackles, 12 sacks and one forced and caused fumble. Ivy was also all-conference and all-state pick at Edwardsville High School.

"We are very excited about both these athletes," Turner said. "Jamie is a big, strong, good athlete with a very big up-side. He will be able to come into spring practice and compete for a starting role. Mario will also have that chance at end as a very versatile football player. He is very intense and gives flexibility on the defensive line."