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Dec. 20—CHAMPAIGN — Donovan Leary’s decision to enter the transfer portal came two days before Luke Altmyer announced, in front of a sold out State Farm Center crowd, that he was returning to Illinois for the 2025 season.
Leary clearly saw the writing on the wall even if Altmyer hadn’t publicly announced his decision. Playing time next fall was likely going to be as limited for the Illinois backup quarterback as it was this season.
It’s a decision that didn’t surprise the Illinois coaching staff. Even if Bret Bielema and Co. would have preferred to hang on to the redshirt sophomore out of Sicklerville, N.J.
“I expressed to him how much I love him and where I’d want him to be,” the Illinois coach said. “I gave him the opportunity to stay here through it, but I also understand he’s got to go find his next opportunity. It’s kind of the world we’re living in.”
Leary’s decision to enter the transfer portal, however, did create a hole in Illinois’ quarterback room. Even with Altmyer’s decision to return for his third season with the Illini and fifth total of his college football career.
No Leary meant Illinois was without a backup with any measure of experience for the 2025 season. With redshirt freshman Cal Swanson also hitting the transfer portal and winding up at Holy Cross, the Illini are down to walk-on Kirkland Michaux and true freshman Trey Petty with Carson Boyd and Jershaun Newton signed for 2025.
“In the short term, for the bowl game, that impacts a great deal,” Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said. “It gives Kirkland an opportunity to elevate and be the backup for this game. Long term, we’re always looking to help solidify our roster at all positions.”
Illinois made a move on that front Thursday, signing Northern Illinois transfer Ethan Hampton. The Elburn native and Aurora Christian graduate had…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/illinois-making-moves-transfer-portal-154700358.html
Author : The News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
Publish date : 2024-12-20 15:47:00
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