Illinois Football: 5 recruits who have Illini on their top list

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 02: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 02: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Illinois Football
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 02: Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Lovie Smith looks on during the game between the Ball State Cardinals and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 2, 2017 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Illinois football team needs to secure more commitments for the class of 2019.

Illinois started the class of 2019 off well. They secured a commitment from big-time wide receiver and cornerback Marquez Beason. They then had other talented players like Isaiah Williams and Bryce Childress commit to Illinois. So far, there are five players who have pledged their services to the Illini. But, there has been a lull in recruiting for the Orange and Blue.

The recruiting game has picked up for Illinois recently, though. There are a handful of recruits who have decided to cut their lists down and have kept the Illini in the running. Making more top lists is huge for the program. Now Lovie Smith and the coaching staff need to close these recruits.

I have been impressed with the coaching staff as of right now. They spread throughout the country and attack multiple states in order to build the recruiting class needed to compete in the Big Ten. The players who have kept the Illini on their lists reflect this hard work. Hopefully, more players continue to add Illinois to the mix for their commitments as well.

Here are five recruits who have the Illini on their top lists.