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Bret Bielema discusses QB battle at Illinois following spring game
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Illinois wrapped up spring practices with Thursday’s spring game. While the offense showed some signs of promise, the decision on who will start under center for 2022 remains up in the air.
During Thursday’s action, Syracuse transfer Tommy DeVito took the majority of reps with the first-team offense and looked impressive. He was especially effective when teaming up with wide receiver Isaiah Williams who appears primed for a big year in 2022.
Despite DeVito’s impressive outing, he is still expected to enter fall camp with a battle between Artur Sitkowksi for the starting job. Sitkowski – who threw for 704 yards and 6 TDs in 2021 – was unable to play in the spring game as he continues to rehab from a pair of surgeries in the offseason.
After Thursday’s game, head coach Bret Bielema discussed the QB room coming out of fall camp. Bielema said the team especially appreciated how DeVito handled the huddle with the offense.
As for Sitkowski, Bielema said the QB will be “full-go rodeo” in June and the competition will really heat up then.
#illini Bret Bielema: “Offensively, I like the way Tommy handled the huddle. We always knew he had a good live arm.”
Art Sitkowski will be “full-go rodeo” in June and increase competition. “Iron sharpens iron.”
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 22, 2022
With Williams ready to play a key role and a talented running back tandem, getting the right QB in Champaign will be an important decision for 2022.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.