Wes Lunt came to Illinois in hopes of finding some stability in his college career. After transferring from Oklahoma State following his freshman season, Lunt expected to find a footing in 2014 after sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, but injuries got in the way in 2014 and a late and sudden coaching change at Illinois just days prior to kicking off the new season led to a weird season with the Illini last fall. Keeping with that trend, Illinois shook things up very late on the offseason calendar with a surprise coaching change to remove Bill Cubit and welcome in Lovie Smith and a new coaching staff. Lunt was as shocked as any with the recent changes, but appears to be ready to roll with Smith and new offensive coordinator Garrick McGee.
“It was just really frustrating because you build relationships, and both the Cubits, Ryan and Bill, have been really good to me,” Lunt said in an interview with Josh Moyer of ESPN.com. “I planned on going out with them, so that’s probably why it was so frustrating because it was change. But Coach Lovie Smith and Josh Whitman had a plan they executed really fast, which definitely eased a lot of that frustration.
“It was an up-and-down roller-coaster ride, but now we’re on an even, flat line and ready to go. It’s been as smooth a transition as it can be in the short amount of time it’s been.”
Lunt passed for 2,761 yards and 14 touchdowns last season for the Illini, with six interceptions along the way. Entering his final season of eligibility, Lunt hopes the new coaching staff will be able to help him achieve his full potential and help the rebuilding process for the program. He has already seemingly developed a solid relationship with McGee, who was quick to call the quarterback once he was hired by Illinois.
“He was very open on just about everything that could be this year,” Lunt said to ESPN.com. “That’s what really put me at ease. That’s what got me excited for spring ball and this season.”
