Illinois Football: Top 10 Illini Quarterbacks of All-Time
During the mid-2000s the Illinois football team was looking pretty bleak. They were floundering until Ron Zook was hired and he recruited some talented players.
One of those talented players was quarterback, Juice Williams.
Williams was quick and had a cannon for an arm. He was a little inaccurate at times but he is easily one of the best Illinois has ever had.
Williams was one of the higher rated recruits that I remember the Illini ever snagging. He was the No. 2 player in the state and the No. 80 player in the class of 2006.
More from Writing Illini
- Illinois Football: 5 Illini players who need more snaps against FAU
- Illinois football vs. Florida Atlantic first half and game betting lines
- Bret Bielema has made Illinois football a nationally competitive program
- Illinois Football: Predicting how the Illini will finish the 2023 season
- Illinois Football: Illini quarterback controversy is on the horizon
In his first season with the Illini, Williams started and was wildly inaccurate. He still threw for 1,489 yards and 9 touchdowns, though.
That 2006 season was a bit rough for Illinois. They finished 2-10, but brighter days were ahead.
In 2007, Zook’s plan started to come together and Williams threw for 1,743 yards and 13 touchdowns. His legs were what set him apart from others on this list.
Williams rushed for 755 yards and 7 touchdowns that season as well.
Illinois made the Rose Bowl in 2007 with a record of 9-4.
The 2008 season was statistically the best for Williams. He threw for 3,173 yards and 22 touchdowns, while also rushing for 719 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Illinois failed to make a bowl game that year at 5-7.
The final year for Williams was a struggle. Illinois finished 3-9 and he only threw for 1,632 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also added another 507 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
The run Illinois had with Williams was special. He holds a special place in my heart and I will never forget that Rose Bowl run.
Next: No. 2 Quarterback