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Illinois quarterback John Paddock is a great college football story. The kind that only seems to happen in this sport. Paddock began his career at Ball State in 2018 and rarely played before earning the starting job in 2022. After a modest season, Paddock transferred to Illinois as a walk-on. His grandfather and other family members having once played for the Illini, Paddock had joined the program he rooted for growing up.
Paddock made the move without lofty expectations. As a walk-on, he understood his odds of winning the starting job were slim, Illinois had brought in another transfer QB from Ole Miss, Luke Altmyer, who was not a walk-on; he had a full ride and was expected to win the starting job. He did, while Paddock earned the backup job.
Much like his first three years at Ball State, Paddock spent most of the first eight games this year on the sideline holding a clipboard. Then, two weeks ago against Minnesota, Altmyer was injured on a sack in the game’s final minute. Paddock came in cold off the bench with no timeouts and 85 yards away from the touchdown Illinois needed to win the game. It was fourth-and-11.
Three plays later, Paddock hit Isaiah Williams for the game-winning, 46-yard touchdown pass. A week later, Paddock was in a similar situation. Despite Illinois coach Bret Bielema saying the team had anticipated Altmyer would be cleared to play against Indiana, he ultimately wasn’t. Again, Paddock was thrust into the starting role unexpectedly, and again, he thrived.
In what was essentially a must-win game for the Illini to keep their bowl hopes alive, Paddock threw for 507 yards and four touchdowns in Illinois’ 48-45 overtime win against the Hoosiers. This time, the game’s final play was a 21-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-qb-power-rankings-lsus-jayden-daniels-returns-to-no-1-illinois-john-paddock-enters/
Author : Tom Fornelli
Publish date : 2023-11-15 16:57:24
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