He finished 129th nationally in catches per game last season. This year, Isaiah Williams ranks much higher than that when it comes to his importance to Illinois' new-look offense under first-year coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. Like No. 1 or 2. The converted quarterback caught 47 passes in 2021 during his first season at receiver. That was good for 13th in the Big Ten. Williams also tallied 525 receiving yards and four touchdowns for a 5-7 Illini team in 2021. Solid numbers for sure. But they are about to go up. "He's that player that all coaches and media talk about," Lunney said. "You have to figure out a way to get the football to Isaiah."Remember, Williams is not a lifelong receiver. Until last season, Williams played quarterback his whole life. "Every day is a new day for him," Lunney said. Williams is putting in the time. Lunney appreciates the effort. "I see him working at his craft a lot on his own," Lunney said. "That speaks volumes about him. He realizes that move for him last year was a good thing for him as a football player. He's embraced that on a daily basis, whether it's been the JUGS machine or in the office with Coach (George) McDonald on his own time asking questions. Or with me." Williams' skill set is a plus at receiver. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound St. Louis native is "great in confined small spaces, in and out of cuts. "He's got something different than a lot of guys playing quarterback have," Lunney said. "You saw that last season. We're going to need to see it a lot this fall for us to be productive." - News Gazette Tribune