Downers Grove North senior tight end Will Vala experienced a football-changing moment for the second time in the last year.

As a junior, Vala was just aiming to make a name for himself and earn some love from college coaches.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Vala committed to Illinois this summer, and is ranked among the top 60 tight ends in the country. He chose the Illini over nearly 20 offers, including several Power Four schools.

“It’s been such a huge difference from last year for me,” Vala said. “Last season I was visiting Western Michigan. It was super cold game and I was just thinking if I could play here, it would be the world for me. Now, I’m committed to a Big Ten school. It was a huge accomplishment.”

Vala played several sports – basketball, hockey and baseball – growing up but did

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