Illinois Football: Illini stabilize the quarterback position with Tommy DeVito

The Illinois football team made a huge move on Friday when they secured a commitment from Tommy DeVito.

Illinois’ 2021 campaign just concluded with a huge win over Northwestern. This victory for the Illini left a good taste in the fanbase’s mouth for next year. But one question loomed large. Who was going to be our quarterback next season?

Brandon Peters departed the program. Artur Sitkowski hasn’t proved he is a starting-caliber quarterback. The rest of the quarterback depth doesn’t have enough experience just yet. We had to go into the transfer portal and pull out a solid passer who could lead this team.

In steps DeVito. The Syracuse Orange transfer has the experience I want with a quarterback, and he has solid numbers to back up his playing time.

DeVito is going to be able to throw the ball around for the Illinois football team.

It has been a long time since Illinois has had a passer who can actually pass the ball well. Peters was close to being that guy, but he was so wildly inconsistent. DeVito can be a consistent quarterback.

DeVito missed last season due to injury, and 2020 brought a worldwide pandemic. So, the last full season for DeVito was in 2019. He threw for 2,360 yards, 19 touchdowns, and five interceptions. If Illinois can get that type of production out of him in 2022, then we are going to be a bowl team competing for a Big Ten West crown.

Honestly, for me, the quarterback situation is already settled for 2022. I have DeVito entering as the starter and no one really threatening him for the job.

I think Sitkowski would most likely be his backup if he is with the team entering next year. This is the best-case scenario for 2022.

The future at the quarterback position is most likely Donovan Leary. The kid has a live arm and can play. I am shocked he isn’t a top 1000 recruit. I think Leary is going to be a great option for Illinois in 2023. But, for now, I have him redshirting and then starting as a redshirt freshman.

Finally, Illinois has some quarterback stability. The future is so bright for this program. We have a great running attack and now we have a quarterback who can throw the ball. I can’t wait for next season.