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Illinois backup QB reportedly plans to transfer
Published:
Illinois lost some depth at the quarterback position on Thursday.
According to Jeremey Werner of Illini Inquirer, backup quarterback Cam Thomas plans to transfer out of the program. He was a sophomore for the Illini.
Thomas is reportedly leaving due to “personal reasons.”
BREAKING: #Illini QB Cam Thomas has left the team for "personal reasons." Lost QB job to AJ Bush. Freshmen Matt Robinson and MJ Rivers impressed during camp
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) September 6, 2018
Thomas lost the starting job to graduate transfer AJ Bush, who threw for 190 yards and rushed for 139 more in Illinois’ season-opening win over Kent State on Saturday.
One of three Illini quarterbacks to play last season, Thomas played in four of the final six games in 2017, totaling 375 yards while completing 43 percent of his passes. He had five interceptions and no touchdown passes as a freshman.
Thomas did add a mobile aspect to the quarterback position for Lovie Smith and the offense, rushing for 233 yards and a touchdown on 52 attempts.
Illinois loses Thomas just a few days before playing in-state FCS foe Western Illinois. The Illini enter the matchup 1-0.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB