2017 forward Xavier Tillman narrows list to 19 schools, eliminates Illinois

John Groce offered a scholarship to class-of-2017 forward Xavier Tillman (MI) last week and, well, it didn't exactly take too long for him to eliminate Illinois from contention. The four-star prospect 'narrowed' his list to 19 schools on Wednesday afternoon. Congratulations to DePaul, though.

Illinois Football Links

- Cameron Thomas' high school coach believes the latest Illinois commit will continue to work hard (The News-Gazette)

"Cam has a strong arm and great mobility," Verde said. "His explosive speed makes him a huge threat when he’s rolling out."

- Tampa-Based Offensive Tackle Jean Marcellus Captures an Offer From Illinois (Scout)

Marcellus, a three-star 2017 offensive tackle that registered an offer from Illinois on Wednesday evening, has locked in visits with a half-dozen schools.

- Simeon Rice, Dana Howard, Moe Gardner on 2017 College Hall of Fame ballot (The Champaign Room)

The National Football Foundation has announced the names for their 2017 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. The three Fighting Illini greats are looking to become the program's first inductees since 2005 (David Williams).

- Can Justin Hardee help stabilize the uncertain wide receiver situation at Illinois? (The Champaign Room)

Injuries and departures have hurt the Fighting Illini wide receiver corps this offseason, but the unit still has room for growth.

Illinois Basketball Links

- John Groce urging Illinois fans to keep the faith (Bloomington Pantagraph)

"We may start the year sitting on one (scholarship)," Groce said. "Which is OK. Sometimes from a chemistry perspective, that's not all bad. If we can't find someone who is a fit and adds value to what we're doing, we'll just hold."

- Five-star PG Paul Scruggs (IN) planning visit to Illinois (The Champaign Room)

The class-of-2017 standout is also looking to take additional unofficial trips to Indiana, Michigan State, and Xavier.