Illinois football head coach Lovie Smith just finished up Big Ten Media Day.
Most of Big Ten Media Day is just coach speak, and a lot of what Lovie said on Tuesday fell in line with that. He went over how excited he was about the new facilities going up and how that will be great for the guys who are already there and how it will help with recruiting as well.
Lovie also talked about the rebuild of the program and how important year three was. He pointed out the number of true freshmen who started last season – 15 I believe – and how their experience last season will help produce results in 2018. He didn’t put a number to how many wins he was expecting, though. He just wants to see improvement and has already started seeing some through the little practices they have had.
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— Writing Illini (@WritingIlliniFS) July 24, 2018
There were a few players Lovie pointed out as well. He mentioned he was excited about linebacker Jake Hansen getting healthy. Hansen went down with a torn ACL right before the season last year and is back healthy for the 2018 season. Lovie was asked about Mike Dudek and his expectations in 2018. In response to this question, Lovie says Dudek is completely healthy and will have an opportunity to be the featured guy.
The one answer that sparked my interest that Lovie gave in the press conference was that of the quarterback situation. He was asked about what is going on behind center this year. One reporter asked about what is going to happen considering there was only one scholarship player – Cam Thomas – in spring ball.
Lovie answered this by saying there will be a quarterback competition. No one has the job right now. He did mention that Thomas was the only scholarship quarterback so he will have a chance. He also said whether it is a graduate transfer coming in – AJ Bush – or a freshman – Coran Taylor and MJ Rivers – they will have a shot to win the starting job.
Next: Projected floor and ceiling for the Illini recruits in year one
I am excited to see how training camp plays out. This season should be the best under Lovie and the coaching staff. Some exciting times are ahead.