Morry Gash / APWisconsin's next star tailback is 214-pound tackle-busting freshman Jonathan Taylor.
Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith arrives at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building in Champaign for his introduction as the new Illini football coach on March 7, 2016.- Jim Prisching / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith talks to the media as the Bears arrive for training camp on July 26, 2007.
- Chuck Cook, USA Today SportsBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith greets quarterback Mike Glennon after a third quarter touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Oct. 5, 2014. The Saints won 37-31.
- Antonio Perez / Chicago TribuneNew Bears coach Lovie Smith and Bears president/CEO Ted Phillips react to questions at the Bears fan convention on Feb. 28, 2004.
- Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith is introduced as Illini head coach at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building in Champaign on Monday, March 7, 2016.
- Al Goldis / APAfter smothering Western Michigan, Sparty gets an extra week for Notre Dame prep.
- Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith greets Bears coach Marc Trestman at the end of the Bears' 21-13 win at Soldier Field on Nov. 23, 2014.
- BRADLEY LEEB / APIllinois coach Lovie Smith checks the scoreboard against Iowa on Nov. 19, 2016 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill.
- Joe Robbins / Getty ImagesIllinois coach Lovie Smith talks to an official in the second quarter of the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 7, 2020.
- Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo listen to CEO Ted Phillips speak during a press conference at Halas Hall on Jan. 5, 2010.
- Justin Casterline / Getty ImagesIllinois coach Lovie Smith on the sidelines during the third quarter against Rutgers at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 2, 2019.
- Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith stands on the sideline in the third quarter against the Seahawks at Soldier Field on Dec. 2, 2012.
- Michael Hickey / Getty ImagesIllinois coach Lovie Smith watches the action during the game against Indiana at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Nov. 11, 2017.
- Kim Klement, USA Today SportsBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith is introduced as head coach during a press conference at One Buccaneer Place.
- Michael Hickey / Getty ImagesIllinois coach Lovie Smith talks to Julian Hylton during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Sept. 29, 2017.
- Jeff Siner, McClatchy-TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith and Panthers coach Ron Rivera chat prior to the game at Soldier Field on Oct. 2, 2011.
- Holly Hart / APIllinois head coach Lovie Smith speaks with an official during a timeout in the first half against Nebraska on Sept. 21, 2019, in Champaign.
- Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith talks to press after he was introduced as Illini head coach at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building in Champaign on Monday, March 7, 2016.
- Rich Schultz / Getty ImagesYou lost to Eastern Michigan. And paid the Eagles $860,000 for making the trip. #fail.
- Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith celebrates Charles Tillman's touchdown in the third quarter against the Cardinals on Dec. 23, 2012.
- Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneEx-Bears coach Lovie Smith greets Dee Brown, special assistant to the athletic director, as he arrives at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building in Champaign for an introduction as University of Illinois head football coach on March 7, 2016.
- Jim Prisching / Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith talks and Colts coach Tony Dungy talk to the media ahead of the Super Bowl on Feb. 2, 2007.
- Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith is introduced by athletic director Josh Whitman as Illini head coach at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building in Champaign on Monday, March 7, 2016.
- Phil Velasquez, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith with cornerback Charles Tillman at the Bears first training camp practice on July 26, 2012.
- Scott Strazzante / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith during a 2010 game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
- Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneBears coach John Fox, left, with Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith at the end of their teams' game at Raymond James Field in Tampa, Fla. The Bears won 26-21 on Dec. 27, 2015.
- David J. Phillip / APBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith waits for the start of a news conference at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Feb. 18, 2015.
- Abby Drey / TNSWe've been saying this is the league's most talented team. And the Nittany Lions seem to have the swagger to match.
- Zack Wajsgras / APCall me batty, but I'm a little excited for Indiana's trip to State College in three weeks.
- Jeff Roberson / Associated PressBears head coach Lovie Smith speaks during a news conference on Jan. 28, 2007 in Miami ahead of Super Bowl XLI.
- JAMES A. FINLEY / Associated PressRams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith walks along the sidelines during a 2001 game against the 49ers.
- Scott Strazzante, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith tries to remove his players from fracas along Detroit's sideline in the 4th quarter of the Bears' 37-13 win on Nov. 13, 2011.
- Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneIllini football coach Lovie Smith shakes hands with Cubs manager Joe Maddon before a game at Wrigley on July 23, 2017.
- John Smierciak / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith on his first day as the Bears coach at training camp practice on July 27, 2004.
- Patrick Semansky / APIllinois head coach Lovie Smith stands on the sideline in the first half against Maryland on Oct. 27, 2018, in College Park, Md.
- Jonathan Daniel / Getty ImagesQuarterback Rex Grossman and head coach Lovie Smith celebrate after the Bears 39-14 win against the Saints during the NFC Championship game at Soldier Field on January 21, 2007.
- Andrew A. Nelles / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith enters the Bears Care Gala on May 9, 2009, with his wife MaryAnne.
- Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith watches his players play cricket before practice at The Oval in London on Oct. 21, 2011.
- Geoff Burke, USA Today SportsBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith looks on from the sidelines against the Redskins in the second quarter at FedEx Field. The Buccaneers won 27-7.
- Brent Lewis, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith goes for an early afternoon bike ride on the campus of Olivet Nazarene on July 28, 2011.
- Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneCoach Lovie Smith and his wife Mary Ann Smith before the Bears faced the Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 23, 2011.
- Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith during a press conference following his team's win over the Lions at Ford Field.
- Phil Velasquez / Chicago TribuneBears GM Jerry Angelo and head coach Lovie Smith introduce new quarterback Jay Cutler at Halas Hall on April 3, 2009.
- John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneIllini head coach Lovie Smith, right, signals a touchdown in the first half against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 3, 2016.
- Joe Robbins / Getty ImagesTake note, Big Ten coaches. Now THAT is how you handle a quality MAC team.
- Gregory Shamus / Getty ImagesObscured by the woes on offense: The "D" turned Baker Mayfield into a Heisman front-runner.
- Jose M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneIllinois head coach Lovie Smith speaks to the media at Big Ten football media day held at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place on July 26, 2016.
- Charlie Neibergall / APDid Kirk Ferentz let out a sigh of relief after OT victory over Iowa State? Or a "Cy?"
- Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith questions a call in the first quarter at Soldier Field on Dec. 4, 2011.
- Jonathan Ferrey / Getty ImagesWhile you were sleeping, the Gophers clocked Oregon State on the road.
- Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith stands on the field as players, including Chris Harris, warm up for a game against Detroit at Ford Field on Oct. 10, 2011.
- Patrick Semansky / APThe Terps lose their starting quarterback, shake it off and dominate Towson.
- Tony Ding / APHesitate to put a team with such an iffy offense this high.
- Jim Prisching / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith talks to the media after a second interview at Halas Hall for the Bears head coaching job on Jan. 13, 2004.
- Nuccio DiNuzzo / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith waves after his team's win over the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on Sept. 19, 2010.
- Chris Sweda / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith shares a light moment with the media at the beginning of a press conference at Halas Hall on Nov. 25, 2009.
- Jim Prisching / Chicago TribuneRex Grossman passes under the watchfull eye of Bears coach Lovie Smith during practice on Nov. 15, 2006.
- Adam Hunger/APIllinois head coach Lovie Smith walks off the field against Rutgers on Nov. 14, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. Illinois won 23-20.
- Charles Rex Arbogast / APIllinois head coach Lovie Smith applauds after his team's 38-10 win over Rutgers on Nov. 2, 2019.
- Brian Cassella / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith prepares for the Chicago Bears game against the Vikings at Soldier Field on Dec. 28, 2009.
- Steve Dykes / Getty ImagesCornhuskers showed guts by rallying from 42-14 at Oregon, scoring game's final three touchdowns.
- Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith is introduced by athletic director Josh Whitman as Illini head coach at the Bielfeldt Athletics Administration Building in Champaign on Monday, March 7, 2016.
- Nuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago TribuneSpecial teams coach Dave Toub with Lovie Smith before their team's game against the Panthers at Soldier Field on Oct. 28, 2012.
- John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneIllinois coach Lovie Smith, center right, talks to players and fellow coaches in the second quarter against Northwestern at Ryan Field on Dec. 12, 2020.
- G-Jun Yam / APIllinois coach Lovie Smith speaks at Big Ten Media Day on July 24, 2017.
- John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith, center right, joins his team for a singing of the Alma Mater after a 52-3 win over Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 3, 2016.
- Scott Strazzante, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith hugs D.J. Moore after his game-clinching interception against Tampa Bay QB Josh Freeman during the 4th quarter of the Bears' 24-18 win at Wembley Stadium in London on Oct. 23, 2011.
- Jim Prisching / Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo introduce the team's No. 1 pick Cedric Benson on April 25, 2005.
- Bradley Leeb / APHow bout those pesky Fighting Illini? Had a 20-0 lead on Western Kentucky as big home underdogs.
- Bob Leverone / APBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith watches his team take on the Panthers on Jan. 3, 2016.
- John J. Kim / Chicago TribuneIllini head coach Lovie Smith breaks from a team huddle in the first half against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 3, 2016.
- Bernard Thomas / APWhen Duke-Northwestern hoops would be closer than Duke-NU football, something is off.
- Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith in the rain before a preseason game on Aug. 9, 2012.
- Chris Sweda, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith walks off the field after beating the Vikings at the Metrodome on Jan. 1, 2012.
- Brian Cassella, Chicago TribuneBears coach Lovie Smith and the bench celebrate Robbie Gould's 57-yard game winning field goal to beat the Redskins in a preseason game on August 18, 2012.
- Phil Velasquez, Chicago TribuneLovie Smith happy to be at Bears rookie camp at Halas Hall.
- Anthony Souffle / Chicago TribuneIllinois head coach Lovie Smith walks among his players during a preseason football practice on Aug. 9, 2016 at the practice field near Memorial Stadium.
- Jos M. Osorio / Chicago TribuneLovie Smith in the fourth quarter of their game against the Panthers on Sept. 14, 2008.
- Kim Klement, USA Today SportsBuccaneers coach Lovie Smith talks with quarterback Josh McCown during training camp at One Buc Place.
- David Boe / APIllinois coach Lovie Smith walks on the field as players prepare for a game against Rutgers on Oct. 6, 2018.
- Charlie Neibergall / APIllinois coach Lovie Smith, right, questions a call against his team during the first half against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, in Iowa City, Iowa.
- David Trotman-Wilkins / Chicago TribuneBears Lovie Smith gestures as he estimates the level of improvement he has gained over where the team started when he took the reins two years ago, during a discussion with the media at Bears HQ, Halas Hall in Lake Forest on Jan. 16, 2006.
Morry Gash / AP
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Wisconsin's next star tailback is 214-pound tackle-busting freshman Jonathan Taylor.
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By Shannon Ryan | Chicago Tribune
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
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Lovie Smith is leaving no doubt about what kind of quarterback he wants to run his offense at Illinois or where he wants to leave a recruiting imprint.
The Illini received an oral commitment Monday from MJ Rivers of Frisco, Texas. Rivers is the third quarterback to commit to Smith’s 2018 class, and all three — including Coran Taylor of Peoria and Cordel Littlejohn of Georgia — are categorized as dual-threat quarterbacks.
“I’ve had to compete my whole life,” Rivers told Scout.com about joining a class with two other quarterbacks. “Why stop now?”
Rivers is also the Illini’s fourth commitment from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and 10 of the 15 players in the class are from Texas or Florida.
The 6-foot-4, 213-pound Rivers is the No. 33 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and the No. 158 overall prospect in Texas, according to the 247Sports.com composite rankings. The three-star recruit also received offers from Iowa State, New Mexico and New Mexico State.
Rivers transferred to Lone Star High School in Frisco in the offseason from Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano. He has passed for 291 yards and rushed for 202 yards with seven total touchdowns with his new team, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Twitter @sryantribune
