Nathan Scheelhasse and West Lunt aren't exactly world beaters but they definitely aren't a low bar.That's good news. But that's a pretty low bar to clear
Illini Football 2018
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Sadly, I think, because we have no depth. We're going to get better each year as we add depth and competition at each position but when you see all the Fr's and So's starting and playing you have to see we're not there yet. Next year will be better than this year. The following year will be better than next year. Still, this is starting to get FUN. Who's going to the bowl game with us next year?
I have a feeling this is going to be a year like 1981 and 1999. Look for a surprising breakout year.
Joel Goodson
- respect my decision™
I think we're a lot better. But whether that translates to results, say 6 (or, gulp, more) wins, too many unknowns. Have to stay healthy. Plus, we're still greener than green. I don't want to get out over my skis with expectations, but a breakout season isn't a pipe dream, AFAIC.
I would temper expectations. This year will be about Health through the first 3/4 of the season. We will look good and deeper later in the season as some standout freshmen emerge. But I wouldn’t count on or bet on health in college football.
Everyone loves Nate but he wasn't an NFL prospect. Lunt had the arm and size but not the accuracy or mobility. To say that Bush is a better NFL prospect than Lunt actually is saying something. That surprises me.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Plaudits for Bush are exciting, but it sure makes me wish he had two years of eligibility left. We might end up with a decent QB on a team that isn't quite ready to win yet.
Illwinsagain
- Cary, IL
Or, he helps the team win a year earlier than expected! At least 5 or 6 games and a trip to somewhere end of December.
TownieMatt
CU Expat
- Chicago
Agreed. And given where we've been, give me 6 wins and a fun upset of someone and I'm beyond happy. However, I think that's the absolute ceiling for this year's team. Whereas the 2019 team might have an 8-win ceiling with a proven QB.
...but who knows, the grass is always greener two years down the line. I just want to see a competitive team, and it sounds like Bush may well help us get there this year.
All respect to Isaiah Williams but is it realistic for him to actually play QB next year at 5'9.5? It kind of worries me because even guys like Denard Robinson, Robert Griffin 3, etc were over 6 feet
Deleted member 654622
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Completely understand the reasoning here. What I would say is the subtraction we will get in QB will be minimal compared to the progression we will have at all other positions next year. Enough so that we should still add at least 1 more win.
Deleted member 654622
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That is a good question. But if Robinson is looking like this as a true freshman, 6 ft or not, Isaiah may not be good enough as a freshman to surpass Matt
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
I can definitely see us kicking ourselves that Bush is going to lead an inferior overall team while the 2019 team takes a big step forward but will have question marks at QB. Will be interesting to see if one of the non-Bush QBs take a big step forward or the coaching staff pursues another 5th year option, so we'll cross that bridge at a later date.
I think its unrealistic to believe he will only play QB at UIUC. I think is 100% locked in stone he starts off as a QB at UIUC. I wont directly dismiss worries about height, theres a reason NFL teams have such an affinity for a "prototypical" QB body and a reason elite NFL QB's mostly fit those molds, but college is a different animal. If he can succeed at a HS level, he has a chance to at QB in college.
Either way, he's a play maker. A weapon every college offense could use. We haven't had that since the Zook era.
If he can just make the offense watchable that will be a step in the right direction.
BananaShampoo
Captain 'Paign
- Phoenix, AZ
He's likely still growing, so best case he might be 5' 10.5" or even 5'11" by the time he would start a game at UI. Worst case is he's done growing and he's still a heck of a weapon at multiple potential positions on the field.
Deleted member 654622
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Guest
Gotta win that game!
mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
Leverage: When you are named the starting QB as a freshman walk-on and decide to not play until you are given a four-year guaranteed scholarship.
Deleted member 11196
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Guest
Not sure this is the right place to ask this question: Does anyone know when the BTN will show the Bus Tour of the 2018 Illini Football program ?
I'll think we'll be a VERY attractive 5th year transfer location next year. (Did I use the right color of orange?)
Dan
Admin
I could be mistaken, but I thought someone said that Rod Smith's offense doesn't need tall QBs as much because the QB won't be in the pocket and needing to see over large lineman as much. Furthermore, I'm pretty sure Williams has said that he would prefer to play QB, but that he will play anywhere that the coaches ask him to.
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