In-state quarterback camps with the Illini

MORE: Commits and prospects show out at Illini camps

The Illini are looking for their quarterback of the future to lead a re-vamped offense under Garrick McGee. 2018 dual-threat QB Quincy Patterson from Chicago Solorio Academy has all the tools they are seeking.

OrangeandBlueNews.com got a look at Patterson up close last weekend at the Illini showcase camp at Memorial Stadium, and we came away impressed.

The big-bodied Patterson (6-foot-3, 225 pounds) has a live arm and ability to move out of the pocket and make plays with his feet. Illinois has already extended an early offer

“They really like my size,” Patterson said. “You don’t often get a quarterback of my size, and Coach McGee says I can spin the ball pretty good.”

What stood out about Patterson during the camp was how the ball jumps out of his hand. He’s still a bit raw in his mechanics, but you can’t teach arm strength.

Those familiar with Illinois football often compare Patterson to Juice Williams, who was the Illini quarterback from 2006-09 and was also a Chicago Public League product.

“I hear that a lot, even at my high school,” Patterson said of the comparison.

The camp in Champaign was an opportunity for Patterson to get some instruction from McGee.

“I like Coach McGee,” Patterson said. “He’s a cool guy, and on a different level as a quarterback coach. He worked me on coming over the top with the ball, and pushing off with my back leg. I throw with all arm sometimes.”

Patterson is also a true dual-threat. His high school team runs a read-option attack. On film, we see a powerful runner with a nice second gear once he gets into the open field.

Offers are in from Illinois and New Mexico and Patterson is getting a high level of interest from other Power 5 schools, particularly from the Big Ten.

“I got an offer from New Mexico, and I just went to a Purdue camp,” Patterson said. “I’m most likely going to wait until the end of junior year to commit.”