Three-star RB Calvin Tyler Jr. narrows college list to 4, includes Illinois Football

One of Illinois football’s running back targets may be on the verge of a college decision. Three-star Texas native Calvin Tyler Jr. tweeted out his top four schools on Thursday night, including Illinois, California, Louisiana Tech, and California State-Fresno. The shifty 5-foot-9 back is rated as the No. 1409 player in 247Sports’ composite rankings.

Tyler originally announced he’d be committing on Friday, but there appears to have been a last-minute change of plans on that front.

Tyler took an unofficial visit to Illinois on July 27 and, by all accounts, he came away pretty impressed with Lovie Smith and the new coaching staff.

Illinois Fighting Illini Links

- Four-star WR Carmoni Green (FL) commits to Illinois (TCR)

Green hails from Miami Central High School and, according to 247Sports, he’s the No. 349 player in the country, making him the highest-rated player currently pledged to the Illini.

- Three-star DE Olalere Oladipo (IL) commits to Illinois (TCR)

The Illinois native announced a verbal commitment to the Fighting Illini over Penn State, Indiana, Michigan State, Duke, and California. According to 247Sports, Oladipo is the nation’s No. 778 overall player, and No. 13 in-state prospect.

- Tim Beckman steps down as volunteer assistant at UNC (CBS Sports)

The former Illinois coach’s brief stint as a volunteer assistant at North Carolina has come to an end. After two days of headlines regarding his role on Larry Fedora's staff, Beckman is stepping away to avoid being "further distraction."

- Illinois Basketball announces 2016-17 schedule (TCR)

The Big Ten Conference revealed its basketball schedule on Thursday afternoon, and the Fighting Illini will open league play in College Park on December 27 against the Maryland Terrapins.

- Hardy Nickerson named to third preseason watch list (Illinois Athletics)

Illinois senior linebacker Hardy Nickerson was named to the Rotary Lombardi Award watch list, it was announced Thursday. The watch list also includes Fighting Illini defensive endDawuane Smoot among the top 158 players in the country.