March 11--Former Illinois quarterback Aaron Bailey has found a new home.
Bailey, a graduate of Bolingbrook High School, will play at Northern Iowa next season, his stepfather Oliver Carter confirmed to the Tribune. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
At Northern Iowa, a Division I-AA program, Bailey will not have to sit out a season.
His stepdad Oliver Carter said the deciding factors were the chance to remain at quarterback, an opportunity to play right away and receiving a full scholarship.
At Illinois. he fell into a third-string role last season behind Wes Lunt and Reilly O'Toole. His redshirt was removed after Lunt was injured in October, but his playing time did not increase substantially.
A former four-star recruit, Bailey played in five games for the Illini last season, completing 11 of 22 passes for 118 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. He saw limited action in nine games as a freshman.
Spring practices: Football coach Tim Beckman said Tuesday that the Illini are approaching the new season with optimism after finishing last season in a bowl game.
The Illini will have some new faces with Chayce Crouch backing up Lunt at quarterback and freshmen Jimmy Fitzgerald and Jeff George competing for a third-string role.
Crouch will also be competing as a punter with Ryan Frain and David Resiner. Beckman called Crouch's leg strength "very impressive."
With Mike Phair as a new co-defensive coordinator with Tim Banks, Beckman said that the roles will become clear. Asked if Banks responsibilities will change, Beckman said, "We'll see." He called them both capable coordinators.
Players who will be limited or held out of spring ball due to injury include linebacker Carroll Phillips, defensive back Darius Mosely, linebacker Teko Powell, tight end Tyler White, offensive lineman Chris O'Connor and offensive lineman Ted Karras.
