Illinois landed a quarterback prospect Thursday when former Wheaton Warrenville South All-Stater Jon Beutjer began classes in Champaign after transferring from Iowa.
Beutjer is expected to begin practicing with the Illini next week, although he won’t be eligible to compete until next season. He will be able to participate in spring drills.
The 6-foot-5-inch, 208-pound Beutjer, who passed for 380 yards and four touchdowns in his collegiate debut last year against Indiana, will have two seasons of eligibility left.
He will be a top contender to succeed senior quarterback Kurt Kittner, with competition from sophomore Dustin Ward of Champaign, redshirt freshman Mark Kornfeld of St. Louis and 6-5, 220-pound freshman Matt Dlugolecki of Cota de Caza, Calif.
“We’re happy to have Jon join our program,” Illini coach Ron Turner said. “We look for great competition from the quarterback position this spring.”
Beutjer left Iowa after an altercation July 5 involving his ex-roomate, 6-5, 310-pound tackle Sam Aiello of Streamwood, over a $22 cable television payment he owed Aiello. Beutjer was treated for a concussion at a nearby hospital after the fight.
Beutjer said his dispute with Aiello is over but cited a lack of support from coach Kirk Ferentz and his staff as his main reason for transferring.
After leading Wheaton Warrenville South to the Class 6A title in 1998 while passing for 3,960 yards and 60 touchdowns, Beutjer chose Iowa over Illinois. “I’m glad to have finally made my decision,” Beutjer said. “Coach Turner has a great reputation for developing quarterbacks, and his system is a perfect fit for me. Plus I know a lot of guys on the team.”
Because he is transferring within the Big Ten, Beutjer is not eligible for an athletic scholarship. In his final season of eligibility, Illinois is scheduled to play at Iowa.
