CHAMPAIGN – The best quarterback is always the next quarterback.

It’s time for Illini junior Chayce Crouch to step up, and he knows it.

“I would definitely say it’s a little different than the last couple of years,’’ Crouch said Sunday afternoon, a small group of reporters huddled around him a day before training camp officially begins at the University of Illinois. “I’m excited coming to camp knowing I am the starter. It does feel really good.’’

The understudy who made a brief appearance last season before a should injury sidelined him less than two games into his role as the top quarterback, Crouch is the run first quarterback who hasn’t met a brick wall he won’t challenge but still faces doubts as a passer in major college football. His style might compare to a poor man’s Tim Tebow, but the 6-foot-4, 230-pounder from Newark (Ohio) Catholic is next up for a program looking for a quarterback.