Metro East Lutheran's Will Rankin signs a letter of intent to attend Illinois College. (Photo by Dan Brannan)

Metro-East Lutheran football player Will Rankin is going to continue his love of the sport at Illinois College this fall.

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Rankin will start working out as a defensive back for Illinois College, but may move around some in the defense with his size of 6-2, 200 pounds.

 

“I think there is a whole lot more room for improving and I have put on about 30 pounds since football season,” he said. “It is just a whole different feel at Illinois College. It will be a good learning opportunity in the classroom and off the field. I am always willing to learn.”

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Rankin said he liked the idea of going closer to home and the smaller campus of Illinois College.

 

“It just seemed like a good fit for me,” he said.

 

Metro-East Lutheran had small numbers with its football program but Rankin said the team was very close knit.

 

“There was a special bond between us,” Rankin said. “Coach Lewis helped me out a ton and got my name out on e-mails and letters to colleges. I am going to be training this summer and getting ready for the season.”

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