Big Ten Football Preview: Quarterback Rankings

5. Illinois Fighting Illini: Wes Lunt, Junior

Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) throws a pass before the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Wes Lunt is a name that if you don’t know already, you will surely know by the season’s end. He is a quarterback who has yet to reach his full potential because of injuries. In 2014, he battled a leg injury, but still managed to complete 153 passes for 1,763 yards and 14 touchdowns. One of Lunt’s strengths is his accuracy, as evidenced by his 63.5 percent completion percentage.

Lunt has certainly come a long way since his first season at Oklahoma State, where he threw more interceptions than he did touchdowns. Last season with the Illini, only three of his passes were picked off. The only thing that Lunt will have to prove is that he can complete a full college football season. If he remains as efficient as he was a season ago, they sky is the limit for this kid and the Illinois passing game.

Lunt will have a solid group of skilled players around him, so he is in a fairly good position to succeed. If he can stay healthy, it could be a big year for the Fighting Illini.