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Illinois Football: Illini make Marquez Beason’s top 7

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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The Illinois football team took a big step forward this weekend, but it wasn’t just because of their junior day.

One of the Illini’s big targets for the class of 2019 – Marquez Beason – decided to narrow down his list of suitors to just seven teams. The seven programs Beason listed were Illinois, LSU, Texas A&M, SMU, Ohio State, Baylor and Florida in no certain order, he told the Writing Illini.

When asked if he had any plans for unofficial or official visits coming up, Beason said nothing yet. He was just coming off an unofficial visit to LSU, though, and he attended the junior day for Texas A&M back on February 4 as well.

According to 247Sports, the leader for Beason’s commitment is the Aggies at 67-percent followed by LSU with 33-percent. He told me there wasn’t a certain order to the list, so I assume every team is still very much alive in the running for his commitment.

Of course, as an Illinois fan, I am worried about the level of competition the Illini have for Beason. There are some big-time SEC programs after this kid and for good reason. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 54 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 8 player in the state of Texas. He can also play either cornerback or wide receiver which is a huge asset at the next level.

There are a few areas Illinois needs to sell hard, though. The first area is the NFL coaching and playing experience on the staff. Lovie Smith coached a team to the Super Bowl. Hardy Nickerson played at the highest level in the NFL and was a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro. There is NFL knowledge on this Illini staff and that is invaluable to someone who wants to get to the next level.

The other area Illinois needs to focus on is the fact two of his talented teammates came to Champaign in the class of 2018. Offensive lineman Kievan Myers and defensive tackle Calvin Avery both committed to play for this coaching staff. They will also both likely see starts year one in the Orange and Blue. You can always slide the fact Beason would start day one for this football team in there as well.

Next: 5 takeaways from the Illini win over Nebraska

Illinois does have some selling points for Beason in this recruiting race. Hopefully, it is enough firepower to make an impact and get a commitment. They are at least still on his radar.

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