Former Illini Osei happy his current player heading to C-U

May 13—EVANSTON — The last time Miles Osei went to a game at Memorial Stadium in Champaign?

It was 13 years ago ... and he was playing in it. Caught a late touchdown pass from Nathan Scheelhaase during a 37-34 loss to Northwestern.

Plenty has changed since then for Illinois football and Osei. The 2013 season was four coaches ago at Illinois. It went from Tim Beckman to Bill Cubit to Lovie Smith to the current boss, Bret Bielema.

And Osei is now a coach, about to enter his second year in charge at Evanston High School. One of his top players, defensive back Justin Johnson, made a commitment on March 4 to join Bielema's team. Johnson is the first Class of 2027 prospect to say "yes" to Illinois.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound three-star recruit will enroll at Illinois ahead of the 2027 season, giving Osei another reason to visit his alma mater.

Johnson will become the first Illinois player for Osei, who previously coached at Kankakee and Elk Grove Village, before taking control of Evanston before the 2025 season.

Johnson picked Illinois ahead of offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Cincinnati, Stanford Northwestern, Washington and others.

How did Osei feel when Johnson said "Illinois"?

"I ultimately want what's best for the kid," Osei told me on Tuesday. "I put my feeling aside of where I went.

"I wanted him to make his best decision for his family. I think it's really unique and really cool to have someone play at a school and a program you were once a part of. That's special, for sure. I'm excited to see him do that in the same colors."

Of course, the Illinois program has upgraded its facilities since 2013, particularly the Smith Center.

Osei is proud of Johnson on the field and off.

"He's a unique player," Osei said, "He's got speed. He wants to compete. The first thing that sticks out is he's an elite competitor. He wants to be better."

Johnson's family, Osei said, is "super supportive." He competes in the classroom, too, well enough to draw the interest of Stanford and Northwestern.

"He checks all those boxes," Osei said.

Johnson still has work to do ... when defending against his coach. At age 34, Osei is still skilled enough to beat Johnson on pass routes or with his throws.

"I don't think he can cover me now," Osei said. "I'll find a way. I've got a good two or three reps in me."

Personality-wise, Osei calls Johnson "easy-going."

"He's just a regular high school kid," Osei continued. "He likes to draw. He likes music. Just enjoying where he's at right now."

The Wildkits went 3-6 in Osei's first season as coach. He expects a bump in 2026.

"I'm excited about our group," Osei said. "We do see a change."

More to follow

Johnson is one of just two Illinois commits in the 2027 class. Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Mason Halliman said "yes" to Illinois this past Saturday.