Illinois Football: Illini commits Beason, Thompson comment on DC change

Illinois football defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson resigned on Monday afternoon.

This was the big change that happened for the Illini program and one that was needed. They Illini ranked almost dead last in both passing and rushing yards allowed. Illinois was giving up 274.3 yards per game on the ground, which ranks No. 126 in the nation. They are also giving up 286.4 yards per game through the air, which ranks No. 120 in the nation.

So, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that this change was ultimately needed. But, Illinois has three players who are signed up for the class of 2019 who will make an impact on the defensive side of the ball for this program. Does this change affect what they are thinking about as far as a commitment is concerned?

The biggest commitment from the class of 2019 and possibly in the last decade is Marquez Beason. Lovie Smith was able to snag this kid for the class of 2019 from the state of Texas. He is a 5-foot-10, 177-pound cornerback from Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas. He is rated as a four-star recruit who is the No. 65 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 3 athlete in the nation.

Beason has always been a strong commitment to the Illini despite what some critics have said. But, does this change potentially change things with Beason? The answer is pretty simple in his eyes.

“Nothing has changed,” said Beason, “I feel Coach Smith will call the plays like he did with the Bears.”

Well, that answers that question. Beason continues to remain a strong commit to the Illini. He has said from day one that he is an Illini, and he is sticking to his word.

Another big commitment is Joseph Thompson. He is a 5-foot-10, 160-pound cornerback from Phillips Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 1159 player in the class of 2019 and the No. 119 cornerback in the nation. He had a strong message for Illini fans when asked about the change.

“It’s not an issue,” said Thompson, “It won’t change what we are about to do.”

These are two strong answers from two of the three defensive commitments for the Illini class of 2019. The other commitment, Seth Coleman, has yet to have a chance to respond. If he does, I will be sure to post it.

Illinois made a huge change to the team on Monday afternoon. Their defense is now in the hands of Lovie and it looks like the defensive commitments are excited about that. The future is still bright for this Orange and Blue program.