Illinois Football: Marquez Beason is a strong Illini commit despite doubters

The class of 2019 is set up to be one of the best ever for the Illinois football team.

Marquez Beason is unquestionably one of the building blocks for this talented class. He is a four-year starter – if he doesn’t go to the NFL after year three – who will be legendary for the program on and off the field.

According to the current Rivals rankings, Beason is a four-star athlete who is the No. 92 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 8 athlete in the nation. As we all know, he will likely play the majority of his career with the Illini at cornerback with the option of playing other positions as well due to his great athletic ability.

Beason is entering his final season at Bishop Dunne High School down in Dallas, Texas. The previous season saw his Falcons team go 6-5 and get ousted in the second round of the Texas state tournament. I had a chance to chat with Beason a little bit, and he said his goal for the team this season was to win state. He is working hard in the offseason to accomplish that goal as well.

“Things are going good,” said Beason, “I am working on my speed and fundamentals at defensive back.”

Illinois was able to pluck this talented defensive back from the recruiting ranks. He is a top 100 player and one of the most talented recruits that have pledge to the Orange and Blue in quite some time.

There are some people who doubt his commitment to Illinois, though. You can just search for articles about how Beason is a player who a team could flip. Here is just a sample of an article you will find. This one is from the Landof10.

But, Beason is a man of his word and has been strong in helping the Illini recruit for the class of 2019. You can see this by his posts on social media and continued strong support for the program. He also mentioned in the chat that he continues to have great communication with the Illinois coaching staff as well.

Despite Beason staying strong, other teams continue to recruit him. He told the Writing Illini that there are other teams trying to work their way into his recruitment. They aren’t necessarily sending coaches, though.

“These days they are sending players, who are committed, to recruit,” said Beason.

I am assuming these recruiting tactics will continue to come from other teams throughout Beason’s senior season. They will likely lead up to the early signing period in December where he has a chance to ink his name to play for the Illini and continue his education at a great institution.

“I plan on signing early, but we will have to wait until then because anything can happen,” said Beason.

Beason has a good head on his shoulders. He is a player who will be legendary with the Illini and come December, he will likely sign on the line to become a member of the Orange and Blue. There is so much speculation out there about the potential of a team flipping him. People continue to write about how skeptical they are that a player of Beason’s caliber could pick the Illini. Well, Beason has some strong words for those doubting his commitment.

“No, I am not having second thoughts,” said Beason, “If I wasn’t all in, why would I be all on social media recruiting and trying to create the best class?”

Next: Who replaces Larry Boyd for the Illini?

So, to those doubters who can’t believe Beason is going to represent the Illini in college and those people who doubt what is happening in Littyville, take a look at Beason’s words. This kid is proud of his decision. He is strong in what he believes. And, he is going to be a superstar in Champaign. The haters better watch out, something special is being built.