Big Chicagoan wrote:
Landed a top 50 recruit. Turning point?
https://247sports.com/college/illinois/ ... -116021349Illinois feels it has the opportunity to add a program-changing class of 2019 to its first two foundation classes under Lovie Smith. On Saturday, Illinois got off to a heck of a start with that effort.
Top-100 prospect Marquez Beason announced his commitment to Illinois, choosing the Illini over an impressive offer list that included fellow finalists Ohio State, LSU and Texas A&M.
"They're one piece away from winning, and I feel like I could be that piece," Beason told Illini Inquirer.
The Dallas (Texas) Bishop Dunne cornerback/wide receiver is the highest-ranked commitment of the Lovie Smith era. The No. 54 overall player in the class of 2019 according to the Composite Rankings, Beason would be the highest-rated prospect to sign with Illinois since Arrelious Benn (No. 12) and Martez Wilson (No. 15) signed with Ron Zook in 2007.
Relationships paid off for Illinois, who was in the race for Beason longer than anyone else and they’ve been pushing hard.
“The coaching staff, they showed me love since Day One," Beason said. "The players here are great. I just felt at home."
Wide receivers coach Andrew Hayes-Stoker developed a relationship with Beason over a year ago while he was recruiting his Bishop Dunne teammates Calvin Avery and Kievan Myers. Hayes-Stoker reeled in Avery and Myers, who headlined the Class of 2018.
"Coach Stoker has been recruiting me since Day One," Beason said. "He's done a great job. Coach Lovie Smith is a great leader, a great man. I love him to death. (Avery and Myers) played a big part, but it was my decision."
The entire Illini staff put their foot on the gas the last few weeks, including defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson, cornerbacks coach Donnie Abraham and new safeties coach Gill Byrd.
“They have great NFL experience, great leadership and they're great teachers," Beason said.
Illinois began recruiting Beason as a wide receiver, but the 4-star prospect now wants to play defensive back.
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Both Abraham and Byrd know just a little bit about playing defensive back in the NFL. During Abraham’s nine-year career, he tallied 361 tackles and 38 interceptions. Byrd had a 10-year NFL career playing for the San Diego Chargers. He retired with 42 career interceptions. Both Byrd and Abraham were named to the Pro Bowl. Byrd is in the Chargers Hall of Fame.
What's Beason bring to Illinois?
"Versatility, swagger, the will to win and just a dominant player," he said.
Lovie Smith gradually has improved recruiting. On Saturday, Illini football recruiting took a Texas-sized step forward. B
Beason has been in contact with other top Illini targets, including St. Louis Trinity top-300 prospects Isaiah Williams and Shammond Cooper.
"Come here," Beason said. "It's the place to be."