Illinois QB Williams still confident despite struggling in scrimmages
By JOHN SUPINIE
GATEHOUSE NEWS SERVICE
RANTOUL -- Illinois sophomore quarterback Juice Williams called performance "mediocre'' in the second intrasquad football scrimmage of Camp Rantoul Saturday.
Williams also took a step back in the opening scrimmage last weekend from his performances in practice, but there's no crack in his confidence as Illinois inched closer to the season opener.
"I started off slow,'' Williams said. "At the end, I picked it up with some touchdowns. Not too good. Not too bad.
"I know the things I've done in practice in the same situations. Even though I didn't do too good in the two scrimmages, I'm still confident going into the season.''
The Illini open the season against Missouri in St. Louis on Sept. 1. Despite a defense that appears stronger than last year and a capable running game, much of the season falls on the shoulders of Williams -- the face of the program who started nine games as freshman.
In the first half of the 1 hour 40 minute scrimmage, Williams fumbled and threw an interception. Both turnovers were returned for touchdowns. He completed three of his first 10 passes. He ended the day with 9-for-18 passing for 95 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley is "not concerned at all'' despite two scrimmages where Williams failed to dazzle the crowd.
"All in all, I think he's had a positive camp and moved us in the right direction,'' Locksley said. "I like the way he's managed the offense and taken care of the football for the most part. We're going to get him ready to play Missouri.''
Redshirt freshman defensive end Jerry Brown stripped Williams with a clean swipe, and linebacker Martez Wilson returned the fumble 21 yards for a touchdown. Williams also threw an interception with the offense deep in its own territory.
Sophomore cornerback Dere Hicks returned the pick 15 yards for a touchdown.
"You want perfection out of him,'' Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "He did a lot of good things. He has a grasp of the offense and control of what's going on. He's in control of what he's doing. He played pretty well.
"Juice threw one pick there that he can't do. Those are things we will learn from.''
Junior Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 108 yards on 17 carries. Freshman receiver Brian Gamble, who converted from defensive back after injuries to two receivers last weekend, caught five passes for 81 yards and two touchdowns.
"With him, the offense hasn't really missed a beat with the two injuries,'' Williams said. "He's an added weapon. He's a key factor on offense. He's got great hands and great speed. He can make guys miss.''
NOTES: Star freshman receiver Arrelious Benn, who hasn't played since suffering a shoulder injury in the opening scrimmage, is expected to return to practice Monday. Zook hinted receiver Chris James will have season-ending surgery on his right knee. He injured the knee in the first scrimmage. He has a redshirt season available.
Hicks moved to the first team defense after sophomore Travon Bellamy didn't practice last week with a recurring shoulder injury. He may undergo surgery that would force him to redshirt. . .
John Supinie can be reached at Johnsupinie@aol.com.
ILLINOIS SCRIMMAGE STATS
Rushing -- R.Mendenhall 17-108, Dufrene 20-60, Pollard 7-53, W.Mendenhall 10-18, Gamble 2-13, McGee 7-(-13), Williams 4-(-19), Garza 2-(-2), Haig 2-(-4).
Passing -- Williams 9-18-1-95, McGee 7-14-0-137, Haig 6-10-0-46, Garza 2-3-0-37.
Receiving -- Gamble 5-18, Morgan 3-106, Judson 4-33, Warren 2-33, Hoomanawanui 2-12, Reavy 2-17, R.Mendenhall 2-1, Willis 1-8, Wilkins 1-8, Dufrene 1-1.
SCORING
Wilson 21 fumble return
Morgan 80 pass from McGee
Reda 28 field goal
Pollard run
Hicks 15 interception return
Morgan 16 pass from Williams
Gamble 18 pass from J. Williams
Gamble 14 pass from J. Williams
Reavy 20 pass from P. Haig
R. Mendenhall 2 run