Former Illinois Football Star Shines at Shrine Bowl Practice

Former Illinois Football Star Shines at Shrine Bowl Practice

Illinois Football is slowly increasing its presence in the NFL. Year after year, the Illini continue to send a few players into the NFL and each year there seems to be an increased amount of production from those players. Though this is normal for most Power Five programs, this is a fun site for Illinois Football fans who have slowly watched their football program become relevant again. Tommy Devito, Devon Witherspoon, Sydney Brown, and Quan Martin have all made their impacts as rookies.

This year, Illinois Football looks to Jer’zhan Newton, Keith Randolph, and Isaiah Williams to continue that tradition. This past weekend, Williams participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl. The former Illinois Football star shines in any opportunity that he gets.

A Professional.

Isaiah always had a professional demeanor about him. He is extremely insightful in interviews and carries himself very well. Nicholas Moreano of CHGOsports reported from the bowl about Williams. Moreano said that Isaiah Williams: “gets in and out of his breaks effortlessly and looks natural catching the ball. He is also the first receiver leading each drill.”. Williams said in his press conference that he takes leadership extremely seriously hence it is no surprise that he was the first receiver leading each drill.

Isaiah Williams (@i_williams11) is owning every aspect of being a top receiver. 💪 #ShrineBowl | @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/1LEalNaP6r

— East-West Shrine Bowl (@ShrineBowl) January 27, 2024

Isaiah also highlighted that he wants to show that he is a reliable punt returner and can make plays after the catch. Williams may not grab the attention that Marvin Harrison Jr, Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze do. However, he has a shiftiness and professionalism that should nab him some opportunity at the next level.

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at [email protected]. Please use our Seatgeek code for 20$ off your purchase on Seatgeek.com: ARMCHAIRILLINOIS. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing Illinois media outlets around!