The quarterback position should be greatly improved for the Illinois football team this season.
Last season, I would have entered the summer months with the quarterback grade of about D+. Illinois had true freshmen on the roster who were supposed to lead this team. When the coaching staff added AJ Bush to the mix, that D+ grade improved to a C-. The grade would eventually evolve into a C by seasons end. Where will the grade be this season, though?
Summer Grade: C
I am giving the Illinois quarterback situation a C right now. I like what we have on the roster but there are still some serious experience issues with this grouping.
MJ Rivers is the No. 1 guy right now, in my opinion. I know that Matt Robinson saw a lot of action during the spring, but I think Rivers will end up beating him out this fall. Rivers had the most time on the field this past season as well.
In 2018, Rivers threw for 547 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. He had the best completion rate on the team at 55.4-percent. Robinson saw limited action throwing for 11 yards and one interception. I am not sure either of these players will be the starter in the fall, though.
Fall Grade: C+
When the fall rolls around, Illinois will be adding, at least, one more quarterback to the mix. Four-star Isaiah Williams will be moving up to Champaign after winning a state title with Trinity Catholic down in St. Louis.
Williams will automatically be the most athletic quarterback on the roster, and offensive coordinator Rod Smith favors the athletic quarterback. His offensive is set up for an athletic quarterback to shine. I am still skeptical about Williams’ ability to complete passes, though.
The overall quarterback grade is going to increase to a C+ in the fall from a C in the summer. The bump comes from the addition of a more athletic quarterback to the mix with Williams. There is a possibility for this grade to continue to rise too. If Williams can throw the ball well enough, I could see this grade getting to a B- or B by seasons end. I believe Williams will be the starter for game one in 2019.