Writing Illini
Fansided

Illinois Football: 5 ways the Illini will improve under Rod Smith

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 29: Illinois Fighting Illini fans are seen in the tailgating area before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on September 29, 2017 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Illinois football
CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 25: Cam Thomas /

5. MJ Rivers or Cam Thomas will have a good year

Illinois had three quarterbacks play last season. Chayce Crouch started the season, Jeff George Jr. was next and then Cam Thomas took over. Crouch and George are no longer with the team, so Thomas is the only quarterback on the roster with experience.

The addition of Smith as the offensive coordinator should help Thomas tremendously in 2018.  Last season, Thomas threw for 375 yards, zero touchdowns and five interceptions. He was more effective on the ground, though. He rushed for 233 yards and one touchdown.

Thomas should see more success under Smith, though. Arizona’s quarterback last season – Khalil Tate – threw for 1,591 yards, 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 1,411 yards and 12 touchdowns. I am not saying Thomas will have this success, but he will likely see a huge boost in his stats.

Illinois also has a good quarterback coming in from the class of 2018 as well. MJ Rivers is a top 1000 player in the class of 2018 and someone who is going to push Thomas for the starting job.

Next: 5 takeaways from the Illini win over Indiana

Rivers could be the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart heading into the 2018 season. He will also benefit greatly from Smith as the offensive coordinator. He has a better arm than Thomas and both have a great ability to run. This offense will be exciting.

Home/Illinois Football