University of Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith announced Wednesday the signing of 11 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent during first day of the early signing period.

2019 signees DB Marquez Beason (247sports rating of .9613, No. 84) and QB Isaiah Williams (247sports rating of .9502, No. 109), are the highest rated Illini recruits since DB Terry Hawthorne in 2009 (No. 72), and the highest duo since Arrelious Benn (No. 12) and Martez Wilson in 2007 (No. 15).

Williams (.9502, No. 109) is the highest ranked quarterback signee since Isiah Juice Williams in 2006 (.9702, No. 69)

St. Louis defensive lineman Moses Okpala is rated a four star by ESPN. The second straight year Smith has been able to sign a four-star defensive lineman. 

Smith said quote - "The Illinois Football family got better today."