Illini Let 3 QBs Compete As They Weigh When To Name Starting QB

(CBS) Illinois football coach Tim Beckman is continuing to let his top three quarterbacks compete for the starting job during spring football practices, as he hasn't decided yet when he'll name his starter.

The battle to replace Nate Scheelhaase is between redshirt sophomore Wes Lunt, sophomore Aaron Bailey and senior Reilly O'Toole. Lunt is the much-heralded transfer from Oklahoma State who was assumed by many to have the inside track to win the job after sitting out last season. Bailey received spot duty and had special play packages in place of Scheelhaase last season, as he rushed for 83 yards and three touchdowns while only throwing five passes.

O'Toole was 12-of-16 for 141 yards, a touchdown and an interception last season.

Illinois plays its spring game Saturday.

"I don't think I could jump out and say right now who's going to start," Beckman said, according to the Chicago Tribune. "That's why you compete.

"We'll sit down after spring and evaluate and continue to evaluate and make our decision if we need to make one right then or if we need to hold off until (the summer)."