Illinois no longer has to be in constant fear about the lack of experience at the QB position.
Coach Ron Zook confirmed Tuesday that Eddie McGee will be backup QB next season to Nathan Scheelhaase in case of an emergency.
“If something happens, absolutely,” Zook said.
Nathan Scheelhaase was projected to be the backup quarterback this season but acquired the starting spot after an impressive showing during spring practices.
After Scheelhaase, the Illini have two freshman quarterbacks under scholarships—Chandler Whitmer and Miles Osei—after Jacob Charest transferred Division II Catawba in June.
All three quarterbacks have yet to make an appearance during a collegiate game.
McGee was originally recruited to Illinois as a QB, but Juice Williams claimed the position for McGee’s first three seasons at Illinois. He then made the switch to WR last season as a way to exercise his speed and athleticism.
McGee will start to take more snaps at the QB position during Camp Rantuol, which will begin next Monday.
“He’s going to have to practice (at quarterback) every day,” Zook said. “We talked a little bit about that. He’s willing to do what he’s asked to do. He’s supposed to have been out there at quarterback (during summer workouts).”
Last season, McGee played QB in nine games, throwing for 303 yards while completing 53.2 percent of his passes.