Minooka's Weil signs with Rams

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By Daniel L. Chamness Special to the Herald

This year, Russ Weil spent his senior season blocking for University of Illinois running backs, including Rashard Mendenhall, who finished his senior season with 1,681 rushing yards. Now, Weil will trade in his Fighting Illini uniform for a St. Louis Ram uniform and attempt to do the same for various professional players. He chose the Rams, but the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers had all shown interest in the 6-foot-0, 250 pound fullback. “When they offered me a contract it was a big relief,” said Weil. “My immediate goal is to make the team and be a force on the special teams. The attention the entire University of Illinois team received from advancing to the Rose Bowl probably helped every player. I am happy to be under contract, but I would have been happy to try out, if I had to.” The former Minooka star, who was scheduled to travel to Chicago for a workout with the Bears, was contacted by the Rams on Sunday. After a short conversation with Weil, the Rams had a meeting and on Monday, they offered Weil a contract. Weil and Tom Kaufmann of Kaufmann Sports Management Group went over the contract and signed the document Tuesday morning. While his main job was as a blocker, he did rack up some stats as a fullback. He finished with 29 rushing yards on seven carries and 34 receiving yards on two catches. On special teams, he had one kickoff return for 16 yards and one solo tackle. During the next five weeks, Weil will finish earning his degree at University of Illinois and pack his apartment up. To enhance his football future, he will continue lifting weights and stay in shape. On June 8, he is scheduled to report to Rams mini-camp, which will last three days. On June 18, they will have rookie orientation. Weil plans to be in St. Louis all summer. “This is all pretty thrilling,” said Weil. “It is every football players dream to play in the National Football League. Ron Zook (the Illini head coach) was a big help. He moved me from the defense to the offense. This year, he helped find my agent. I am most comfortable playing fullback. I love getting that big block. If they need someone to block, catch a pass out of the backfield and rush for a few yards, I would be the right guy.” As a high school player in Minooka, Weil was twice named an all-stater. He also excelled at wrestling winning two state titles for the Indians. During his time as a member of the Orange and Blue, he had plenty of company. Scott Moss, Josh Tischer and fellow Illini senior Kyle Kneztic all made Weil's transition very smooth. Weil is one seven Illinois football players to sign free agent contracts. It was reported on the University of Illinois Website that six signed on Monday. In the first round of the draft, Mendenhall was taken in the first round, 23rd pick overall, by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He became the first Fighting Illini player taken in the first round in over 10 years. Mendenhall dubbed Weil as his “personal protector”. Now, Weil will have an opportunity to become someone else's "personal protector".