Illinois hosts 2021 all-purpose back Mar'keise Irving

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Three-star 2021 all-purpose back Mar’Keise Irving visited Illinois this past weekend and was in attendance for the team’s win over Rutgers on Saturday.

This wasn’t the first time Irving has visited Illinois as he made the trip to Champaign in late September when Illinois fell to Eastern Michigan at home.

Times have changed since the last time Irving visited, however, with the program now riding a three-game conference winning streak, it’s first since 2007. Irving said he’s noticed the change about the program and how it combated the early struggles he saw prior.

“A lot of teams are going to face adversity, but it’s just about how you bounce back from it,” Irving said.

What keeps bringing the Country Club Hills, Illinois native back on campus is the fact that this is his state school.

“Hometown, I just want to see how the environment is and coming to watch them play,” Irving said.

Another reason has been the Illini coaching staff. Irving said he’s been developing strong relationships with the coaching staff, especially running backs coach Mike Bellamy.

“I love the coaching staff. Great coaches and great people. Just all around great people,” Irving said. “(Bellamy’s) a great person. He keeps the vibe going with you. He checks on you, makes sure you’re good or whatever. I just love that fact.”

Irving said on Saturday he hasn’t had an opportunity to talk to offensive coordinator Rod Smith, yet, but other Illinois coaches have told him they see him fitting in at running back on the team, and as a playmaker.

“They feel like I can be electric in the offense in many different ways,” Irving said.

Irving’s offer list to this date is impressive to date. He’s been offered by nearly all the top Big Ten schools, including Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois.

When asked which schools were contacting him the most as of late, Irving mentioned Illinois, Purdue and Michigan before saying “a lot of different schools.” He said he’s still trying to visit his “dream school.”

“I haven’t gotten down to Michigan, yet, but Michigan’s always been a dream school,” Irving said.

Irving’s recruitment is far from over and is only going to intensify more as the year goes on, but it he kept it pretty simple about what he’s looking for in a collegiate program.

“Great coaching staff, great academics and just feeling comfortable,” Irving said.