Illinois Football: 5 observations from the Illini loss to Indiana

5. Illinois has a superstar in Isaiah Williams

Overall, I am pretty happy with what Tommy DeVito has given the Illinois football program at quarterback. He is fairly efficient and can sling the ball around. The only issue I have is with the dreaded overthrow.

But a big reason I think DeVito succeeds – beyond his actual talent – is the fact he has a wide receiver like Isaiah Williams catching the ball. The former Illini quarterback turned wide receiver, Williams has shown me that he is our No. 1 option catching passes, and for good reasons.

I would argue Williams is the fastest player on the Illinois football team. He isn’t just straight-line speed, though. This kid is quick and has the hips to move in any direction. He is a menace to defensive backs, and it wouldn’t shock me to see him go for over 1,000 yards this season.

When I watch Williams on the field, he reminds me a lot of someone like Tyreek Hill. I know Hill is faster, but they have a similar game in the fact the mentality should be to get him the ball and let him work. Williams needs the ball. I don’t care where it is, but he just needs to have the ball in his hands. He can make defenders miss. Williams’ yards after catch this season are going to be insane.

I can honestly say, Chase Brown is one of the best running backs I have ever seen at Illinois, but Williams is something I don’t think I have ever seen for the Orange and Blue. We haven’t had a playmaker like him in my lifetime. This kid is truly a superstar.