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Bret Bielema explains why he’s pleased with progress of Illinois WR corps
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Illinois in 2022 will be without veteran wide receiver Donny Navarro III, as the Chicagoland native and former walk-on transferred to Northwestern to finish out his eligibility. But with Isaiah Williams and Casey Washington, the team’s top 2 receivers in 2021, back in the fold, and a new offensive coordinator in Barry Lunney Jr., the Illini hope to improve their fortunes after finishing last in the conference in receiving yards and 2nd-from-last in passing yards per game.
After a Monday scrimmage, head coach Bret Bielema discussed the growth of the unit as a whole, specifically regarding Williams.
“I think from where he was a year ago at fall camp to where we are now [has improved] in so many different ways, obviously in wide receiver play, his ability to catch the ball, his demeanor, his ability to lead especially on the offensive side of the ball,” he said, according to 247Sports. “I give [wide receiver George McDonald] a lot of credit on him, man. He has really taken a big step.”
Another player that has caught the eye of Bielema is Brian Hightower, who was limited by injury in 2021.
“He has by far played at a level that I haven’t seen him play at. Kind of always knew it was there,” he said. “But he just physically looks different. He’s catching the ball extremely well. Very coachable. Just everything you want, I think High’s done that.”