Illini commit likes Beckman, new staff 
December, 12, 2011
12/12/11
9:13
PM ET
By
Jared Shanker | ESPN.com
Three-star Mason (Ohio) center Joseph Spencer is feeling a lot more comfortable about Illinois than he did a week ago now that the program has named a new coach.
Former Toledo coach Tim Beckman was announced as the Illini’s coach last week, and Spencer already has been in contact with Beckman and his staff. Spencer spoke with Beckman this past Saturday and received a visit from an assistant on Monday at his high school.
“So far with the new staff, I really like my conversations with them,” Spencer said shortly after the visit. “I’m getting a good feel for them, and I like what they stand for and their plan of bringing Illinois back to the top of the Big Ten.”
Former Toledo coach Tim Beckman was announced as the Illini’s coach last week, and Spencer already has been in contact with Beckman and his staff. Spencer spoke with Beckman this past Saturday and received a visit from an assistant on Monday at his high school.
“So far with the new staff, I really like my conversations with them,” Spencer said shortly after the visit. “I’m getting a good feel for them, and I like what they stand for and their plan of bringing Illinois back to the top of the Big Ten.”
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Jared Shanker
Jared Shanker, a New Jersey native who now lives in Columbus, Ohio, joined ESPN in 2011 and covers the Midwest. Shanker has covered recruiting for five years. He can be reached at jshankerespn@gmail.com.
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