Maruqez Beason was listed as a four-star prospect coming out of high school in the Class of 2019.

Beason was recognized as an athlete in terms of his position and a top 100 recruit in the country. He had numerous offers from schools not just in the Big Ten, but across the nation.

Did he end up at Ohio State? Alabama? Clemson? Michigan?

None of the above.

He chose Illinois.

Again, he chose the Fighting Illini over teams that would have almost certainly loved his commitment. Expectations — understandably so — were high coming into Champaign. However, Beason went down with an injury last week and people feared the worst.

RELATED: Beason was seen on crutches leaving practice

On Monday, head coach Lovie Smith updated everyone on Beason’s status:

Beason suffered a season-ending knee injury in which he eventually had surgery on. Smith said that Beason was one of the highlights on the team, which makes sense. Beason’s talent is undeniable.

He will certainly be missed in 2019.