QB ready to make move to Champaign

Eli Peters is packing up his gear and heading north.

“I leave for Champaign Jan. 15 and the spring semester starts that Tuesday,” Peters said. “I’m going to move in over the weekend and get settled and buy everything I need.”

A 3-star quarterback from Jacksonville (Fla.) Sandalwood, Peters was one of the first 2016 commitments for Illinois when he pledged to the Illini last March. He remained solid in his commitment throughout the turmoil and coaching changes over the last several months.

After graduating early from high school, Peters is eager to start the next phase of his life, on the field and off.

“I’m most looking forward to just getting the playbook in my hands,” Peter said. “Getting there early as a quarterback, you get to learn the playbook and get it in your hands faster than any of the other players coming in. It’s just a win-win to get up there early. You get to start learning as early as possible.”

There are some other considerations as well. Peters has to move from his home in Florida, get settled in UI housing, and be prepared to start classes on Jan 19. His packing list isn’t large, but there are some essentials.

“Some cold weather cloths, obviously,” Peters said.

Peters will begin his career behind incumbent starter Wes Lunt, junior Chase Crouch, and redshirt freshmen Jimmy Fitzgerald and Jeff George Jr.

He understands the challenge of moving his way up the depth chart. Still, Peters feels his athleticism is an asset that separates him from other quarterbacks.

“I hope to bring some mobility,” Peters said. “I think I can get the job done with my legs. Just a balanced attack, and extending plays.”

Peters joins junior college transfer Ahmari Hayes as an early enrollee at Illinois this spring. Peters signed a Big Ten tender in December, locking in his scholarship.

Head coach Bill Cubit, who initially recruited Peters when Cubit was the offensive coordinator, likes what Peters adds to the Illini roster.

"Eli is one of the top quarterbacks in the state of Florida,” Cubit said. “He's very versatile. He can throw and run, and his leadership and character will make him a great fit at Illinois. Coming in this spring will give him a head start on learning our system and will help him prepare for competition with the returning group of quarterbacks.”

The promotion of Cubit to permanent head coach was huge for Peters. Prior to Cubit securing the job, Peters was hearing from Iowa State, Central Florida, and others.

“I had confidence he would be back, but for it to be official it was big for me and my family,” Peters said. “But I didn’t even think about going anywhere else. I knew Illinois was the place for me.

“I can’t wait to get up there. They say they have big things for me. I’ve been looking forward to this day since I was about 10.”