Four-star linebacker Shammond Cooper is one of the top inside linebackers in the country, and it’s become clear that at the very least, one Big Ten school has a chance to land his commitment.

Cooper, who checks in at 6-foot-2, 192 pounds and hails from St. Louis, released a top four as well as the intended date of commitment. Like many big-time recruits, Cooper is planning on committing after the New Year and at a high school all-star game. In his case, he relayed on Twitter that he’ll be making his commitment at the Under Armour All-American game. Oklahoma, in-state Missouri, Texas and Illinois are all in the running for Cooper’s commitment..

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While the Illini may seem like a major underdog in this recruiting battle — considering the fact that they’re going against the in-state SEC school and two Big 12 powerhouses — keep in mind that Champaign is just under three hours away from St. Louis, so the Illini can pitch him on playing close to home while still being in a Power Five conference.

It’s also well worth noting that the Illini only have three inside linebackers on their current roster, and zero current inside linebacker commits. Oklahoma and Texas both already have at least one inside linebacker commitment on board for 2019 (the Longhorns have two) and Missouri currently has seven inside linebackers on its active roster.

Playing time and playing close to home? That’s not a bad situation for Cooper, so Illinois does have a chance.

According to 247sports, he’s the No. 17 inside linebacker recruit in the nation.