April 15, 2010

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois Coach Ron Zook added one additional player to the 2010 football recruiting class with the signing of Houston Bates (Covington,La./The Saint Paul's School Sr Boys) to a scholarship tender. Bates is a 6-foot-3, 245-pound All-State and New Orleans All-Metro selection last year. He is rated a three-star prospect by both Rivals and Scout, and an All-Region selection by Rivals.

St. Paul's was 10-2 and won the District title in 2009, before losing in the second round of the state playoffs. During Bates' career, St. Paul's advanced to the state quarterfinals twice and won two District championships.

"We are very excited to add a young man the caliber of Houston Bates to our team at this late date," Zook said. "He is very athletic with an unbelievable motor, and comes from a great high school program."

Bates will be eligible to play beginning in the fall of 2010.