Former Illini John Paddock and Tommy Devito Gain Reps in Preseason Action

Former Illini quarterbacks, John Paddock and Tommy Devito, both gained some valuable reps in preseason action. John Paddock, who played one year at Illinois after graduating from Ball State, played some backup reps for the Atlanta Falcons. On the other hand, Devito hopes to become a household name for his play on the field rather than his marketability for the New York Giants. Paddock played well, he threw 17 passes and completed nine of them for 78 yards.

Devito filled in admirably for the New York Giants. he threw 19 times and completed 10 passes for 75 yards. Both Paddock and Devito are more known for their accuracy and stability rather than a rocket arm. This makes them prime candidates as backup quarterbacks. However, given how terrible Daniel Jones has been recently, Tommy Devito may be in line for a major role.

The better Illini QB’s.

Nov 18, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback John Paddock (4) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

For years, Illini football had a QB problem. Ever since Nathan Scheelhaase graduated, the Illini have searched far and wide for a stable quarterback. From Wes Lunt to AJ Bush to Brandon Peters, the Illini hoped that they would have solid quarterback play and did occasionally receive that. However, consistency seems to have found the Illini QB room. That all started with Tommy Devito back in 2022. Devito led the Illini to their best season in a decade.

John Paddock lit a fire under what was a rather difficult 2023 season. He threw for over 500 yards against Indiana and threw a dime to beat Minnesota at the last second.

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