Illini Football 2019

[Deleted member 631370]

So, not to be that guy, but why do we need Stevens? Portal says 3 star low 80s rating? Do we think he'd be that much better than a 2nd year in the system Rivers? Remember Rivers didn't have great receivers last year either after Mikey and Edwin went down. Not trying to be argumentative, I just don't know what stats says 'this is the guy!' Is this for depth insurance?

Looking at his recruiting profile from 4-5 years ago is pointless. He was in a position to start for a top-15 team because their prior starting QB graduated -- another 3* unheralded kid named Trace McSorley who won 30 games and is #2 in Big Ten history in touchdowns. I mentioned in another thread that Stevens is run-first, but he's a very talented and very tough runner. And unlike some dual threat types, he CAN throw downfield.

The only question mark is health. If his foot is healed, he's immediately the top QB on the roster. Not even close.

Problem is, he's very likely a Miss State lean. The Joe Moorhead connection is a strong one. he already knows JoeMo's offense, and he would be a logical fill-in for Nick Fitzgerald.

 

[Deleted member 654622]

Running as in a running QB is an actual part of the offense, or a running QB that is running for his life every play? I prefer a dude who can complete passes.

I would not argue with that. But we would need a QB good enough to throw receivers open, we do not have that on the roster.

 

[illini80]

Looking at his recruiting profile from 4-5 years ago is pointless. He was in a position to start for a top-15 team because their prior starting QB graduated -- another 3* unheralded kid named Trace McSorley who won 30 games and is #2 in Big Ten history in touchdowns. I mentioned in another thread that Stevens is run-first, but he's a very talented and very tough runner. And unlike some dual threat types, he CAN throw downfield.

The only question mark is health. If his foot is healed, he's immediately the top QB on the roster. Not even close.

Problem is, he's very likely a Miss State lean. The Joe Moorhead connection is a strong one. he already knows JoeMo's offense, and he would be a logical fill-in for Nick Fitzgerald.

You may be correct, but he has a much clearer path to the starting position here. It's his job to lose. Not so much the case at Miss State.

 

[Deleted member 654622]

What did I miss? This seems like a pretty big deal.

Multiple coaches have stated he has "off field issues" he needs to get straightened out, which usually means grades. Today they actually said eligibility issues on the Jeremey Werner show.

 

[thunderwear]

Multiple coaches have stated he has "off field issues" he needs to get straightened out, which usually means grades. Today they actually said eligibility issues on the Jeremey Werner show.

Ugh

 

[Joel Goodson]

Multiple coaches have stated he has "off field issues" he needs to get straightened out, which usually means grades. Today they actually said eligibility issues on the Jeremey Werner show.

No bueno. On top of his shaky spring, it's little wonder why staff is actively seeking a grad transfer QB. Far too much at stake to let it all ride on our current QB crop.

 

[Deleted member 631370]

No bueno. On top of his shaky spring, it's little wonder why staff is actively seeking a grad transfer QB. Far too much at stake to let it all ride on our current QB crop.

Yep. A 4- or 5-win season this year really sours our outlook......in recruiting, in fan enthusiasm, in everything. With a schedule as weak as this one, this needs to be our year to break back into the bowl picture and win some games. And there's no better way to ensure that than getting a grad transfer QB who is proven at the FBS level.

 

[oldschool51]

FREE LUKE FORD DAY 14

 

[220Illini]

I like MJ as well, but let’s not forget our play calling when he was in there. A ton of short, high percentage throws that makes his stats look much better than what he did for the offense. He was no threat to throw downfield and if we could’ve used more than 25% of the playbook with him against USF we win that game by two TDs

 

[Illiniboss33]

My guess is he would be the go to guy on third downs. I think I've seen him described as sure handed. We need someone else to step up.

Ford is definitely in line to play a huge role for our offense... he is a huge kid with great vision and hands.. I agree with the third down go to, however with the struggles our QBs have had I believe he would wound up being a favorite target of any QB we may have starting.. simply because of his size strength and hands... having ford is crucial to our success... he forces defenses to play up on him especially in the middle hopefully drawing double coverages and giving our receivers more one on one matchups and chances for bigger plays.. I have seen ford in person and the kid is impressive, I see why Georgia recruited him... I think with ford on the field our wins could be swayed by two or three games.. with or without him. Obviously plus 2 or 3 with and minus 2 or 3 without...
However from everything I was able to find I am very optimistic that we will see ford on game day vs Akron.. tom Mars is very good at what he does and I have read he only takes cases he believes he can win....
#freelukeford

 

[FeelYourPaign]

Ford is definitely in line to play a huge role for our offense... he is a huge kid with great vision and hands.. I agree with the third down go to, however with the struggles our QBs have had I believe he would wound up being a favorite target of any QB we may have starting.. simply because of his size strength and hands... having ford is crucial to our success... he forces defenses to play up on him especially in the middle hopefully drawing double coverages and giving our receivers more one on one matchups and chances for bigger plays.. I have seen ford in person and the kid is impressive, I see why Georgia recruited him... I think with ford on the field our wins could be swayed by two or three games.. with or without him. Obviously plus 2 or 3 with and minus 2 or 3 without...
However from everything I was able to find I am very optimistic that we will see ford on game day vs Akron.. tom Mars is very good at what he does and I have read he only takes cases he believes he can win....
#freelukeford

I really struggle to believe that any single player makes a 4-6 game difference over a 12 game season

 

[thunderwear]

I like MJ as well, but let’s not forget our play calling when he was in there. A ton of short, high percentage throws that makes his stats look much better than what he did for the offense. He was no threat to throw downfield and if we could’ve used more than 25% of the playbook with him against USF we win that game by two TDs

Let’s not forget that most receivers were injured and those that weren’t dropped passes. When he played USF and carter was healthy. He looked pretty solid with a pretty small playbook.

 

[thunderwear]

I really struggle to believe that any single player makes a 4-6 game difference over a 12 game season

An exaggeration, but still good points

 

[BananaShampoo]

I really struggle to believe that any single player makes a 4-6 game difference over a 12 game season

If you read again he said 2-3 games. Pretty believable.

 

[Deleted member 29907]

Let’s not forget that most receivers were injured and those that weren’t dropped passes. When he played USF and carter was healthy. He looked pretty solid with a pretty small playbook.

... and our D gave up that game. MJ did pretty well for a frosh / first start on a big stage.

 

[Deleted member 29907]

If you read again he said 2-3 games. Pretty believable.

I think the statement "plus 2 or 3 with and minus 2 or 3 without" could be interpreted as we win 3 more with him and somehow we lose 3 more than we would if he had never been born. Probably should have been left at plus 2 or 3 with him.

 

[Joel Goodson]

For a team without a good passing QB, a guy like Ford could be a godsend.

 

[ChiefGritty]

If you read again he said 2-3 games. Pretty believable.

For a QB maybe. For a TE that's absurd.

 

[Wokker]

For a QB maybe. For a TE that's absurd.

Maybe not considering how weak our WR corps is. Ford plays and there is little to no excuse for <6 wins. Great emergency valve on passing plays.

 

[ChiefGritty]

Ford plays and there is little to no excuse for <6 wins.

The meta-game being played here is not subtle.

 

[wILL-INI]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1124840469148704769

Welp

 

[Wokker]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1124840469148704769

Welp

Interesting...

I'm guessing this is related to eligibility issues

 

[wILL-INI]

Interesting...

I'm guessing this is related to eligibility issues

Yeah, it sounds like it was something along those lines. Disappointing to say the least. Saw a ton of potential in him and given another year of development, thought he could have been really something.

 

[FT35]

Wow. Did not see this coming. Have to land a transfer now.

 

[the national]

This is big news. I saw it on Facebook and didn’t believe it, and came on here. Not much has been said but I imagine there is more to the story