Talking with Chicago 2021 three-star RB Willie Shaw this week, I asked him how an early Virginia offer came about and he explained there was a connection that made that possible. Shaw explains in the article below:
https://n.rivals.com/news/illinois-off-to-a-strong-start-with-2021-rb-willie-shaw
https://n.rivals.com/news/illinois-off-to-a-strong-start-with-2021-rb-willie-shaw