OrangeandBlueNews.com reporter Jonathan Joffe caught up with Illini quarterback Wes Lunt at Big Ten Football Media Days in Chicago.

Lovie Smith knows from his long career in the NFL that the relationship between a head coach and his quarterback is essential to a team’s success

The new Illinois football coach is looking forward to working with senior quarterback Wes Lunt and building on their freshly formed bond.

“(I’m) just excited about Wes Lunt, handing him the ball,” Smith said. “I look at our program, we have a senior quarterback who makes great decisions.”

It seems as though Smith and Lunt share a mutual excitement. After all, that’s the same adjective that both individuals used to describe their eagerness to work with each other.

“I think he’s just brought excitement. I think that’s something that this program has been lacking for a while,” Lunt said. “It was a big move by Josh Whitman, and that change I think really excited a lot of fans.”

Still, Lunt admitted that he was a bit skeptical when he heard the news that former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith could actually be named head coach at Illinois. The hire almost didn’t seem real until Smith walked through the door of the Illini locker room.

Since that first meeting, Lunt has come to know and appreciate the relaxed demeanor and professional approach of Smith.

“He’s been how he is in every press conference, you know, calm, cool and collected,” Lunt said. “He’s a soft spoken guy who cares about his players.”

Lunt met one-one-one with his new head coach soon after the hiring to talk about spring ball and expectations for the upcoming season.

According to Lunt, Smith spoke to him about team and individual goals, but their discussions mostly centered on Smith’s desire for Lunt to be more of a vocal leader.

After getting to know Smith on more of a personal level, Lunt believes that the Illini coach has what it takes to turn the program around.

“I think three or four years down the road when coach Lovie establishes a nice recruiting base in Chicago – and really anywhere he wants – I think that you’ll see a different Illinois football team,” Lunt said.

Smith’s choice for offensive coordinator – Louisville’s Garrick McGee - inserted a new scheme this spring, with establishing the run as the cornerstone. But don’t expect to see a completely different version of Lunt when the Illini take the field for their first game in September.

“I think I just have to be myself, learn the offense that Coach McGee wants,” Lunt said. “I think that’s the most important thing. I gotta be a leader for these guys”