Toledo recruit big fan of Beckman

Barrington senior linebacker-running back Chase Murdock was excited about playing football for Tim Beckman when he made a verbal commitment Monday night to the University of Toledo.

Murdock’s feelings for Beckman were still the same after he was hired Friday as the University of Illinois’ new head coach. Murdock believes Fighting Illini players and fans are going like what they see from Beckman.

“I would be very, very excited about coach Beck,” Murdock said Friday night. “He brings a lot of energy to the game. He’s got the winning mentality and he just wants to win.

“He’s a great guy in all areas. He does a lot off the football field with the team and they really don’t get much better than coach Beck. He’s awesome.”

Murdock, a three-year starter, said he remains committed to Toledo. Beckman led the Rockets to two bowl-game appearances in his three seasons in charge.

Murdock said he talked to Beckman numerous times during the recruiting process and during his official visit to Toledo last weekend. Murdock said he and his father Lance asked Beckman about his future and the coach was upfront about his situation.

“We talked to coach about it and what his plans are and he was real honest about it,” Chase Murdock said of the possibility Beckman could leave. “We had an idea if he got a better offer he was going to take it.”

Murdock said he had already heard from Toledo interim head coach Matt Campbell, who had been the offensive coordinator, and co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Ward.

“I really like the rest of the staff and coach Campbell and coach Ward are still really excited about me coming there,” said Murdock, a three-year starter for Barrington. “Coach Campbell is also a great guy and I think he’ll do a great job stepping in.”

Conant offensive lineman Paul Perschon also made a verbal commitment to Toledo in the summer.