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Illini football's 'Littyville' slogan opening doors

CHAMPAIGN — Littyville.

It sounds like the setting in a Dr. Seuss book. For the Illinois football team, it is no tall tale. More like a state of being ... with talented recruits attached.

The brainchild of Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward — call him the Mayor of Littyville — the movement helped the Illini land a pair of top-100 recruits. So far.

A program with five wins combined the past two seasons persuaded Dallas receiver/defensive back Marquez Beason and St. Louis quarterback Isaiah Williams to commit. Early in the 2019 recruiting season.

It's the kind of player grab that could have a major impact on the rest of the class.