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For Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, returning for the 2025 season with the Illini was an easy decision.
“It was a no-brainer. I love being here. I love the coaches; I love my teammates. I love the community that I’m in. I want to be here as long as possible,” Altmyer said.
Altmyer, 22, announced his decision on social media two weeks ago as No. 20 Illinois began preparations to face No. 15 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Tuesday, 3 p.m., WFTV-9)
“I wanted to decide sooner rather than later,” he said. “If I were playing in the bowl game, that would indicate that I would probably be back. I wanted to get my feet pretty firm where I’m at.”
After a disappointing 2023 season — his first at Illinois after transferring from Ole Miss — Altmyer knew something had to change. Injuries limited the redshirt sophomore to just nine games during which he completed 65% of his passes for 1,883 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
“Coming off last season, I knew there had to be some sort of change to get to where I wanted to go,” Altmyer said. “I had struggles physically with my play, but those struggles were more of a mental, spiritual, emotional thing.
“My talents are my talents and the player you saw on the field today was the one you saw last year. My confidence and mental strength have allowed me to go to a place I didn’t think I could.”
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Altmyer credits spending time with his coaches, pastors and psychologists for giving him the tools he needed to change his approach to the game.
The changes have been evident with Altmyer having put together a career year.
The Mississippi native ranks No. 34 in the nation in passer rating (144.9), completing 61% of his passes for 2,543 yards with 21 touchdowns and five interceptions while…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/illinois-quarterback-luke-altmyer-ready-110000861.html
Author : Orlando Sentinel
Publish date : 2024-12-29 11:00:00
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