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Illinois Football: Walter Simmons III can do it all on the field

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 13: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the sidelines during the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 13: An Illinois Fighting Illini helmet sits on the sidelines during the Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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You can never have enough talent at quarterback and that was the thought with the next scholarship offer from the Illinois football team.

Isaiah Williams is going to be the starting quarterback for the Illini until he graduates. I think that kid has a lot of talent that just needs to be unleashed on the Big Ten. But having a plan after Williams is a good idea. Walter Simmons III would be a great option.

Simmons is a 6-foot-2, 180-pound dual-threat quarterback from Oakleaf High School in Orange Park, Florida. He is rated as a three-star recruit who is the No. 296 player in the class of 2021 and the No. 9 dual-threat quarterback in the nation. He is also the No. 41 player in the state of Florida.

Illinois is not the first team to show Simmons love in the recruiting world. He already had roughly eight scholarship offers which included the likes of West Virginia, Virginia Tech and LSU. The Illini have now thrown their hat into the ring. He would be a great addition to this program.


When sites list a kid as a dual-threat quarterback, there are times when that player mainly just runs the ball, so they slot him as dual-threat. Well, that isn’t the case with Simmons. This kid is a true dual-threat quarterback who can run and pass the ball.

I am impressed with what I am watching from Simmons. Yes, this kid has the ability to take off with his feet and go for a 60-yard touchdown. He has solid speed that will be dangerous in college. But what impresses me the most is his ability to stay calm and find his wide receiver.

Simmons can step up in the pocket and sling it deep or hit his man on a comeback route. When he feels the pocket collapsing, he still keeps his eyes downfield but can get out of the pocket. This enables him to find the open man as he’s on the move. That is a huge asset for a quarterback.

Next. 4 underrated recruits who could help the Illini. dark

There is no doubt Simmons will be one of the most wanted playmakers in the nation come 2021. This kid is the complete package and I want him wearing Orange and Blue.

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