Illinois Football: A Few Interesting Comments on Spring Scrimmage #2

Illinois Football: A Few Interesting Comments on Spring Scrimmage #2

Illinois Football coach Bret Bielema made himself available for the media on Saturday (4/14). The Illini completed their second scrimmage of spring football, and Bielema left practice impressed with his team. The Illinois head coach provided some interesting comments on where the program, as well as certain individuals, are progressing. As well as thoughts on the recent transfer portal activity, due to the spring football portal window.

Transfer of Anthony Johnson

Youngstown State Transfer Anthony Johnson decided to step away from Illinois Football and re-enter the portal on Saturday. The talented edge rusher posted an official announcement on X with a brief statement. “Thank you to the University of Illinois. I will be entering the transfer portal.” Based on comments from Bielema, it seems there are guys who have stepped up and played very well in this position room. Certainly, speculation had been created on social media. However, it looks like Johnson may have been starting to slip his way down the depth chart.

Bielema on Johnson: “I could see it the last couple of weeks. There were guys playing… right?” said the Illini coach. “I don’t know if he saw himself getting that starting role, I get it.” said Bret. “I asked him to think about it, but I totally understand where he is coming from. He quit, and moved on.” claims Bielema. “In my opinion, that really does a good job for us because now we know where we are going with one week left. Obviously, going into the Last/back half of the Spring.”

Illinois Quarterback Room

Coach Bret Bielema has continued to be impressed with his Quarterback room. Bret opened Saturdays presser commenting on the scrimmage, and dove quickly into bragging on his gunslingers. “I thought offensively, especially at quarterback with Luke (Altmyer) Donovan (Leary), Kirkland (Michaux), and Trey (Petty), all four of those guys did some really good things.” said Bielema. Luke Altmyer showed flashes of being a really good quarterback in 2023, and the Illini staff is working hard to maximize his potential in 2024. The staff carries a lot of trust in #9, and believes he is potentially in for a big season in 2024. Bielema has continued to brag on the growth of Donovan Leary as well. The Sophomore has patiently waited for his chance in an Illinois Football uniform, and this staff is high on his future.  It does not seem that any kind of quarterback battle is in play, however, Leary can be a very solid go to option if needed.

Illinois DB Tyler Strain

If Illinois is going to improve in 2024, and once again find themselves bowling, the secondary must take a major step forward. Certainly, there is a really solid young, developmental core of talent to work with in this room for David Gibbs. Tyler Stain is a guy that Illinois will require to take a step forward in his career. The 5’9 junior was said to have a good scrimmage showing on Saturday. According to Bret, the young man has impressed throughout all of spring football. In a quick, but powerful comment by Bielema “Tyler Strain is playing as good of football as he has played with us.” A player to keep eyes on when the Illinois Football spring game kicks off on April 20th.

Video Credit – Illini Inquirer on YouTube