Between all the talk concerning alternating quarterbacks and the top-ranked defense in the nation, Illinois’ receivers may be getting lost in the shuffle. A preseason publication called them slow and not especially noteworthy, and they don’t especially like that kind of attention.
“I think we get overlooked,” said senior Jasper Strong, from Mt. Carmel High. “We have lots of guys who can make the play.”
The fact the Illini (2-1) have passed for 714 yards in their three games this season is proof of that. It’s 230 yards farther than they went early last year when they entered the Big 10 season 0-3.
Of Illinois’ 10 touchdowns this year, they are equally divided at five apiece between the pass and run. So the receiving corps is holding its own.
Running back Ty Douthard was the team’s top receiver a year ago, which helped to overshadow the guys who line up on the outside. But so far this season Douthard has just three catches for 54 yards.
Strong, a split end, now leads the team in receiving after he gained 88 yards with three receptions in Saturday’s 34-10 victory over NIU. He has 228 yards on 15 catches, while flanker Jason Dulick has 120 yards on 15 catches.
“I sense Landry is getting more confidence in the receivers,” said Strong about offensive coordinator Greg Landry. “I think you’re going to see him open up the offense more as we go along and give us even more to do.”
Hard to please: Douthard is tough on himself. Told he ran for more than 100 yards Saturday (109), he said: “Didn’t feel like it. That was a sloppy 100 yards. I just didn’t feel I was that good.”
Not over yet: Scott Weaver basically put Johnny Johnson on notice that he’d be back as starter one day. “If I’m in there, he’ll play sometimes, and if he’s in there, I’ll play sometimes. The only surprise will be if they tell us it’ll be one guy starting.”
Over the top: Linebacker Simeon Rice went into first all-time on the Illinois list of quarterback sacks. He has 25 after adding two more against NIU, beating out Scott Davis’ 23. “It sure wasn’t one of my main goals, but it’s nice to accomplish,” Rice said.