The ink just finished drying on the 18 national letters of intent Illinois football received last week. About five scholarships remain open for the Illini in the Class of 2018 for when the next signing period opens on Feb. 7.

But with a dead period lasting through Jan. 11, Illinois coach Lovie Smith's staff also has some time to start looking more toward the Class of 2019.

The process for the 2019 class will be more sped up too, as it's the first class of prospects that can take official visits during the spring (from April 1 to June 27).

As a quick primer to the Class of 2019, here are 19 prospects from the Class of '19 whom Illini Inquirer already is closely monitoring.