GIBSON CITY — How could the 2017-18 school year get any better for Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley senior Mitch McNutt?
First, he was a key cog in the Falcon football team’s run to a Class 2A state championship. Then, he earned News-Gazette Player of the Year honors for piling up the area’s most rushing yards (1,693) and touchdowns (32), including a trio of scores in the title game.
The topper came Wednesday, as McNutt signed with Lovie Smith’s Illinois program as a preferred walk-on.
“The U of I was always at the top of my list since I know them best,” said McNutt, who will play running back with the Illini.