Building the Illinois football program: Quarterbacks
When Lovie Smith came into the Illinois football program the quarterback situation was uncertain, to say the least.
Now Lovie is starting to get his players into the offense. This should improve the team and put more wins on the board.
Here is how the quarterback position is building.
2016 Starter: Wes Lunt (4-star #345 Class of 2012)
When the Illinois football team received Wes Lunt via transfer, things were looking up for the program. They were getting a former four-star recruit who was finished playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Lunt’s time with the Illini wasn’t great. He dealt with injuries almost the entire time in Champaign. His final season was Lovie’s first with the Illini. Lunt only played in eight games that year and only managed to complete 54.7-percent of his passes.
Backup: Chayce Crouch (3-star #561 Class of 2014)
One of the two backups in the first year under Lovie was Chayce Crouch. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 561 player in the class of 2014.
In the two years under Lovie, Crouch threw for two touchdowns and five interceptions. He also only had a 51-percent completion rate as well. Crouch dealt with some injury issues and actually retired from football after last season.
Backup: Jeff George Jr. (2-star #2355 Class of 2014)
The most productive backup for the Illini since 2016 has been Jeff George Jr. He came into the program as a two-star recruit who was the No. 2355 player in the class of 2014.
In the two seasons under Lovie, George threw for 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He wasn’t very accurate either, finishing with a 48-percent completion rate. He has now transferred out and is finishing up school at Michigan.
2018 Starter: Coran Taylor (3-star #872 Class of 2018)
Many people think AJ Bush is going to be the starting quarterback because he is a transfer, but who knows what will happen with the position. I am just basing the depth chart right now off where the players rank.
Coran Taylor comes in as a three-star recruit who is the No. 872 player in the class of 2018. He is one of the best quarterbacks the Illini have snagged in a little while. He has the ability to pass the ball, but his running ability sets him apart.
Backup: MJ Rivers (3-star #976 Class of 2018)
MJ Rivers is coming in as a three-star recruit who is the No. 976 player in the class of 2018. Personally, I think Rivers could be the starter for most of the 2018 campaign. I think he is the best quarterback out of the bunch.
Rivers also brings a great ability to run the ball, but his throwing is arguably better than the other two potential starting quarterbacks. Look for him to emerge this fall.
Backup: Cam Thomas (3-star #1225 Class of 2017)
Cam Thomas was a three-star recruit who was the No. 1225 player in the class of 2017. He is the only returning quarterback on the Illini roster how played snaps last season.
Thomas didn’t play well as a true freshman. He had zero touchdowns and five interceptions with a 42.4-percent completion rate. I think Thomas is going to compete for the starting job, but I am not sure where he fits in right now.
Next: Illini make top 5 for WR Maurice Massey
Backup: AJ Bush (3-star #1732 Class of 2014)
Illinois is bringing in AJ Bush as a graduate transfer for 2018. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 1732 player coming out of high school. He went the junior college route, then to Nebraska and then his last stop was Virginia Tech. He is now finishing up at Illinois.
It is nice to have three quarterbacks with solid skill who could start this upcoming season. There are options for Lovie and new offensive coordinator Rod Smith. Illinois should be in good hands.