2024 Position Preview: Illini QBs and RBs | Illini Inquirer Podcast

Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner and Joey Wagner break down the Illini quarterbacks and running backs for the 2024 season. At quarterback, the guys discuss the next steps for second-year starter Luke Altmyer, Donovan Leary elevating to the backup role and the long-term at the position and expectations for the 2024 season. Switching to running backs, the guys discuss the potential of Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery in larger roles and if Josh McCray can return to form as well as expectations for the rushing attack.
-- 2024 Position Primer: Illini QBs: tinyurl.com/Il...
-- 2024 Position Primer: Illini RBs: tinyurl.com/Il...
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[@sontewong9935]

Z. Franklin is going to be my surprise breakthrough player mid season.

[@jedward5155]

Feagin, Laughery, McCray, Anderson & Valentine is a legit running back group. There's easily 2,200 yards to be found in there in 12 games.

[@Pensées_depuis_mon_balcon]

I really appreciate your insights. We had 4 NFL QBs in a row with George, Eason, Wilson, and Trudeau and then later Kittner. Big Ten championships should be the standard.

[@trb7153]

BINGO. Exactly. Dave Wilson, Tony Eason, Jack Trudeau ... then Jeff George and Jason Verduzco. All very very good QBs

[@trb7153]

Thanks!

[@trb7153]

Joey, Your comments about Luke needing to make quicker decisions is ON THE NOSE. THAT is T H E key improvement Luke needs to make.

[@optimismodis4853]

If we've got a three headed monster at RB, that will create opportunity in the passing game. If good Luke is playing, our offense could really be a monster this season, as long as the OL is also average or better.

[@marcusrawls2125]

It would seem this team has a different mindset, than we have heard in recent years. They have filled the talent gap and hopefully developed well. I am ready to see the Tough, Smart, Dependable team they preach about. I am ready to see all the difference that others say Coach B's leadership is turn into winning the close ones and be above an average Big Ten Team. I'm hopeful they put together a winning season and take this program to another level. Now will they execute? Time will tell. The Kansas game is huge for a volatile fan base. If they can pull that out at home this team could have a surprising season. If not they will have to scrap again just to be .500. 🤞 ILL !

[@trb7153]

OK -- Jeremy took it back. Tommy D was DARN good, esp the first 8 games. :)

[@trb7153]

Jeremy, DeVito had a pretty darn good year in '22. His completion percentage and few INTs were exactly what we needed. He should NOT be penalized because Chase Brown was great, as was the O line. C'mon.

[@trb7153]

Speaking of dropped passes ... did you guys see how many passes Elzy dropped in the spring game?? I have listened to every second of ALL of your podcasts, and neither of you has mentioned that fact. I think it's an issue. Doesn't matter how fast or big the WR is if he can't catch the dang ball.

[@trb7153]

Hard to predict expectations for the RBs until we know how the O line is going to play. You can't separate the two. Just can't.

[@PEANUTBUTTERNINJA]

Luke is a terrible QB.

[@trb7153]

He's young. He hasn't been a starter for an entire season yet. He needs to make quicker decisions, and I think that will help.

[@claytonhall989]

Terrible compared to who? I shudder to think of your opinion of Peters, Art, Lunt, and others if Luke is “terrible.”