Illini QB O’Toole bruises shoulder
CHAMPAIGN — With Saturday’s game firmly in hand, Illinois freshman quarterback Reilly O’Toole took his first snaps at Memorial Stadium since leading Wheaton Warrenville South to last year’s IHSA Class 7A title.
While his first snap (a 4-yard completion) and second snap (a 5-yard scramble) went fine, O’Toole’s third snap might be his last one for some time.
Cornerback Chaz Scales came on a blitz and drilled O’Toole in the right shoulder just after he released an incomplete pass.
O’Toole held his right arm close to his body as he went off the field and didn’t return.
After Illinois’ 33-15 win over Arkansas State, O’Toole shook hands with his left hand rather than risk moving his right shoulder.
“The doctors feel like, at this point, it’s not too bad,” said coach Ron Zook. “It’s sore. He’ll learn from it.”
“It’s just a bruise,” O’Toole said. “They told me I would get in and I was ready. It was fun.”
Zook said they wanted O’Toole to get some snaps because, if Nathan Scheelhaase gets hurt, he’s the likely successor.
Fellow backup quarterback Miles Osei (Prospect) got three snaps, too, but he lost a fumble after a 9-yard scramble.