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Illinois Football: Top 10 Illini Quarterbacks of All-Time

By Rees Woodcock

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Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Illinois Fighting Illini helmet during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Illinois quarterback Dave Wilson only spent one season in Champaign.  But, for that one year, he was one of the best quarterbacks in college football.

Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois Fighting Illini /

Illinois Fighting Illini

Wilson came to Illinois via the junior college ranks.  He spent two full seasons there and then came to Champaign thinking he still had two years remaining.

In what Wilson thought was his junior season he threw for 3,154 yards and 19 touchdowns.  This was a time where running the ball was most popular as well.

After Wilson’s junior season, the NCAA ruled that he actually used three years of eligibility in junior college.

Wilson tried to fight the case but eventually decided to forgo the battle and enter the NFL Draft.  He was selected with the first pick of the 1981 Supplemental Draft by the New Orleans Saints.

Illinois fans that were alive back then only had a chance to see a glimpse of what this talented quarterback could produce.

Wilson also is still the current single game total offensive yardage leader for the Illini.  He had 584 yards at No. 7 Ohio State that year.

I can only imagine if Wilson received another year of eligibility how good the team could have been in 1981.

Next: No. 9 Quarterback

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