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Illinois Football: 3 reasons Brian Hightower being eligible is important

By Rees Woodcock

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - APRIL 14: Brian Hightower #7 catches the ball while being defended by DJ Ivey #8 of the Miami Hurricanes during the spring game on April 14, 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DJ Ivey;Brian Hightower
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - APRIL 14: Brian Hightower #7 catches the ball while being defended by DJ Ivey #8 of the Miami Hurricanes during the spring game on April 14, 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** DJ Ivey;Brian Hightower /
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Illinois football
EAST HARTFORD, CT – SEPTEMBER 07: Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters (18) goes for the pass during the game between the UConn Huskies and the Illinois Fighting Illini on September 7, 2019 at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT. (Photo by Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Gelling can happen with quarterbacks

Brian Hightower becoming eligible helps so many avenues on the Illinois football team. It takes the pressure off Josh Imatorbhebhe when it comes to potential double teams. It enables Brandon Peters to have another big target to throw to as well.

But having Hightower eligible is also a long play too. This news helps the program in the present and in the future with the way he meshes with the current Illinois quarterbacks.

The Peters to Hightower connection is one that should be called frequently this season and, potentially, next year if Peters decides to return. These two will form a duo that all Illini fans should be excited about. But, remember, Hightower will only be a junior this year and next.

That means Hightower will have a year at Illinois without Peters as his quarterback. Having Hightower eligible now will get him into the fold more frequently, and it will help all Illinois quarterbacks gel with the talented pass catcher.

Mainly, I am looking at Isaiah Williams when I say all Illinois quarterbacks. Having Williams and Hightower get on the same page early will only help the program in 2022 when the program is trying to move on from Peters.

I am excited to have Hightower on the team. Getting him involved with all of the quarterbacks now will only help the team down the road. This team is going to be incredible to watch.

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