Close to home meant a lot to Illini lineman Jon Asamoah

Jon Asamoah was determined to play college football near his home outside of Chicago, a goal that was aided considerably by the limited number of scholarship offers he received.

Northern Illinois was his first choice, complete with a commitment, until Illinois came knocking. Still close enough, Asamoah figured, to get home regularly to see his ailing father, even if he never saw the field.

The undersized offensive lineman was lightly regarded out of Rich East High, a two-star recruit who didn't project as a Big Ten offensive guard.

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