This year the Fighting Illini welcome many new faces on the offensive side of the ball. Through three games, these new Illini have far exceeded the expectations they had coming into the season.
The first name on this list would be quarterback Wes Lunt. Lunt started as a true freshman at Oklahoma State, but after an injury and coaching change, Lunt transferred to Illinois where he was forced to sit out a year. Now the former Rochester High School star is the face of the up-and-coming Illini program. Through three games, Lunt has thrown for 971 yards and nine touchdowns with a 66.4 percent completion percentage. Lunt’s 161.3 passer rating has led the Illini to a 2-1 start on the season. Lunt was named Big Ten Offensive player of the week when he threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns against Western Kentucky.
Two more new faces are receivers Geronimo Allison and Martize Barr. Allison and Barr are both first year Illini who transferred from Iowa Western Community College. These two JUCO players have had an immediate impact on the offensive side of the ball. Allison leads the team with sixteen receptions and 300 yards and is tied for receiving touchdowns with two. Barr has caught seven passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns. The two have also brought a winning attitude to the Illini as they were 2014 JUCO National Champions at Iowa Western last year.
Two more new receivers for the Illini are freshmen Malik Turner and Mike Dudek. Turner from Sacred Heart Griffin High School and Dudek from Naperville Neuqua Valley have both made large impacts as well. Turner has caught ten passes for 98 yards, while Dudek has caught 12 Passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Dudek has also been named the Big Ten freshman of the week when he caught four passes for 55 yards and a score against Western Kentucky.
The Illini’s offense is loaded with youth and all players mentioned will return for the 2015 season. The Illini have a great core for an explosive offense in the years to come.