Illinois Football: Pre-spring practice quarterback outlook for the Illini
I think just about every Illinois football fan is comfortable with the quarterback position heading into spring practice.
You might be thinking, wow, what is this guy doing talking about spring practice already? Well, don’t get too excited but it is only two months away. One of the positions I am pretty good with heading into spring practice is quarterback.
Current Outlook
The obvious No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart is the incumbent starter, Brandon Peters. He had a chance to go to the NFL but decided to come back for his final season. That is probably a good move considering I don’t believe he would have been drafted.
Peters had one of the best seasons behind center that we have seen in quite some time. His 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns helped the Illini become bowl legible for the first time in the Lovie Smith era. I look for his production to increase this season.
The current backup situation I am pretty comfortable with as well. Last year, the backup position was a mix of Isaiah Williams and Matt Robinson. I would guess Williams starts taking more of the lead role there. He did get in on a few packages as a true freshman.
Future Outlook
I think the future outlook is bright. As mentioned earlier, Williams is probably our main backup heading into the 2020 campaign. He is only a sophomore for the Orange and Blue.
Williams was a winner at the high school level, taking Trinity Catholic to a state title. I look for him to bring that winning mentality to the Illini when he, likely, gets the nod in 2021. His speed and arm strength are impressive. The future is bright because he is so young too.
Let’s not forget about the depth Illinois has on the roster. Matt Robinson and Coran Taylor are waiting in the wings. Illinois also has Deuce Spann coming in from the class of 2020 and Samari Collier coming in from the class of 2021. Both of these players are top 1000 recruits.
dark. Next. A win tonight puts the Illini in elite company
I believe the current and future outlook at the quarterback position is extremely bright for the Illini. We are set at quarterback heading into the 2020 campaign, and we have some serious firepower being brought in. You have to love what this coaching staff is doing on the recruiting trail when it comes to quarterbacks.