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Illinois Football: Position evaluations midway through the 2017 season

By Rees Woodcock

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini argues with an official during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini argues with an official during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 14: Jeff George Jr.
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 14: Jeff George Jr. /

Quarterbacks

Current: D-

We have finally arrived at the quarterback position. This is the bugaboo to the Illinois football team right now. I was on the Chayce Crouch bandwagon to begin the season because I had hope that he had progressed in the offseason.

That bandwagon ended quickly as Crouch proved he couldn’t be a sufficient starter for the Illini. He played a few games for Illinois and finished those games with a completion rate of 53.2-percent, 427 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions. He was then replaced with Jeff George Jr.

George has come in and started sling the ball all over the field. He is the reason why the current quarterback situation is a D- and not an F. At times, George looks like a good quarterback but he quickly shows us why there needs to be another arm brought into the program. He has a completion rate of 51.4-percent, 765 yards, three touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Illinois also has Cam Thomas on the bench as well. He is a true freshman for the Illini and is currently the second stringer. I expect him to see some time this season but if he can’t beat out George, then I am not sure if he would even be a better fit in this offense. He might not be ready yet.

The current quarterback situation is not good as it stands. They need some help and that could be coming in 2018.

Next: 4 reasons why the Illini are losing games

Future: C+

Illinois likely doesn’t have their future quarterback on the roster right now. I like George because he can throw the ball downfield but he just isn’t accurate and the offensive line doesn’t give him time. Thomas could be good but I think he needs to develop greatly over the next half season and during the offseason for him to have any chance at starting in 2018.

The key to the future of the Illinois quarterback situation is coming from the class of 2018. Illinois has two great quarterbacks coming into the program.

Coran Taylor is a local product from Peoria, Illinois. He is a three-star recruit who is ranked as the No. 468 player in the class of 2018. He is having a sensational senior season with Peoria and I expect him to come into the Illinois program and take the reins year one.

MJ Rivers might have something to say about that, though. He is also coming in from the class of 2018. He is a three-star quarterback who is ranked as the No. 493 player in the class of 2018. Look for Rivers to compete for that starting spot in 2018.

I really think the quarterback position will improve from this season to next. Illinois is bringing in a few talented quarterbacks from the class of 2018 and they should be able to set this offense straight. That is why the grade is bumped up so high.

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