CHAMPAIGN – Marquez Beason completed his research and made a plan.

The speedy kid from suburban Dallas likes to set big goals. He’s already talked about joining the Illinois track team and shooting for the Olympics. That might not be far-fetched for Beason, who is a blur on the track.

But let’s get back to that later. Before that, he would like to strike a pose.

In a football journey that’s already taking him to the Midwest, Beason sets his path on following the footsteps of Charles Woodson, the former All-America at Michigan who earned the Heisman Trophy in 1997 before a lengthy pro career. You see, like Woodson, Beason is arriving in the college game primarily as a defensive back, but his skills likely will carry him to both sides of the ball and maybe even on special teams.

Beason was taking some notes while watching My Football Life, the story of Charles Woodson’s career.

“I saw his defense,’’ Beason said. “Then I see how he changed the game by playing offense and defense. In his junior year, it was offense, defense and special teams. Seeing him produce like that for his team and change the outcomes of games, that was really special. One day, I’ll do that for my team.’’