WWS quarterback O'Toole commits to Illinois

New Illinois offensive coordinator Paul Petrino places a premium on accurate quarterbacks.

With that in mind, it makes perfect sense Wheaton Warrenville South's Reilly O'Toole just became Illinois' new quarterback recruit.

O'Toole, who committed on Monday after also giving Northwestern serious consideration, completed 62 percent of his passes with 24 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions while leading the Tigers to the 2009 Class 7A state title.

O'Toole also rushed for 358 yards and 5 touchdowns, so he's considered a pro-style thrower with mobility.

"Both state schools recruited him very, very well," said WW South coach Ron Muhitch. "He really just felt more comfortable with Illinois' offense. It's really similar to what he's been doing in high school. I think he could've been successful at Northwestern as well."

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound O'Toole joins a youthful stable of Illini quarterbacks that includes redshirt freshman Nathan Scheelhaase and true freshmen Chandler Whitmer (Downers Grove South) and Miles Osei (Prospect).

O'Toole could well arrive at Illinois with a pair of state titles on his resume - and even better accuracy.

WW South has traveled the 7-on-7 passing circuit in recent weeks (with appearances at Northwestern, Illinois and Notre Dame) and O'Toole has completed passes at an absurd rate.

Muhitch estimated O'Toole hit 78 percent of his throws during the three-weekend tour, which featured a title at Illinois and a second-place finish among 56 teams at Notre Dame.

O'Toole's accuracy reminds Muhitch of former WW South and Illinois quarterback Jon Beutjer.

"I think their traits are very, very similar," Muhitch said. "Reilly puts it right around the halo of the receiver all the time. And he's gotten bigger and stronger. He he has a lot more arm strength."