Illinois Football: Projected Illini QB depth chart with Brandon Peters
Backup – Matt Robinson (3-Star, 6-foot-1, 180-pounds)
I believe Matt Robinson is going to win the third-string quarterback job which will turn into the primary backup quarterback after the fourth game of the season.
Coming into the Illinois program, Robinson was an underrated recruit from J Serra Catholic High School out in California. This 6-foot-1, dual-threat quarterback showed great signs in year one, though. Despite only being ranked sub-2000 in the class of 2018, Robinson impressed the Illini coaches so much that he received some playing time in year one.
Robinson finished the 2018 campaign going 3-of-6 for 11 yards and 1 interception. Those aren’t good numbers but the sample size is small. I love his ability to move around in the pocket and he has good size. I like his arm as well. This kid has the ability to do some good things at quarterback.
I see Robinson stepping up into the primary backup spot once Williams is redshirted. Last season, Robinson was fighting for that backup spot. There were times he looked better than now-departed MJ Rivers. Robinson as the backup gives the Illini a solid option to Peters in case there is an emergency. This depth that Illinois has built at quarterback is also one of the reason Rivers probably transferred out of the program.