llllWelcome Luke Altmyer to the Illini
On December 29th, Illini Football landed their Quarterback. Luke Altmyer, the 2nd string quarterback from Ole Miss decided to commit to Bret Bielema and the Fighting Illini. Altmeyer was a four-star prep prospect according to 247sports in the class of 2021 and was considered a top 30 quarterback in the class. Altmyer may have been a backup but received a strong evaluation even while in the transfer portal. Alymyer ranks as the 8th ranked transfer quarterback. The newest Illini is a unique case. Typically the last few years, the transfer QB’s have been one year plugs. Tommy Devito and AJ Bush both filled in admirably, however Altmyer will have 3 whole years of eligibility. I think it will be beneficial for the Illinois to have some continuity at the QB position.
Altmyer projects to be QB1 from the day he steps on campus, which is reportedly for the spring semester according to 247 sports. Though he only completed 28 of 54 passes for 317 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions in two seasons at Ole Miss, the upside and minimal experience will serve Illinois well. In a room that features true Freshman, Cal Swanson and Donovan Leary as the two other scholarship QBs, Altmyer will undoubtedly serve as QB1 barring injury.
What Kind of QB?
Altmyer showed promise during his time at Ole Miss that he has a solid arm and is capable of making plays with his legs. Based off of his high school evaluation, his arm strength may not be elite, however he just does everything well. To be frank, sounds a lot like Tommy Devito. Tommy Devito just played solid. He did not try to do anything out of himself and limited the amount of times he put the ball in harms way. Looking back, he may arguably the best Illini QB in the last 10 years. Altmyer will have Isaiah Williams, one of the league’s best slot receivers, as his top weapon in Barry Lunney’s second year.
With the departure of Chase Brown, and a rather young running back room, look for Illinois to throw the ball more. Bret Bielema and the Illini are bound to use the transfer portal more this offseason, despite the loss of C Avery Jones. Overall, I think year 3 under Bret Bielema will undoubtedly be interesting given the mix of turnover and returning impact players. Illinois Football has proven itself to be back to relevance and landing your QB of the future is another big step in that direction.
More must-reads: