Tanner Lee’s big time arm could be a big time threat for Illinois

After Nebraska’s all-time leading quarterback in passing yards and passing touchdowns in Tommy Armstrong Jr graduated this spring, there was much speculation on who would take over the starting quarterback position for the Cornhuskers. History shows that Nebraska prefers to use a dual threat QB who likes to run an option style offense with a balance of pass and run plays throughout the course of a game. If you consider that Nebraska’s QB’s account for almost 1/3rd of the program’s rushing touchdowns, the Huskers were likely going to look for a mobile QB with decent size. Where they found size, they found something else...

Tanner Lee is a pro-style quarterback that stands 6’4” and weighs 205lbs. Where Lee doesn’t have a strong ability to run the football, he makes up for it in his throwing arm. At Tulane, Tanner Lee completed over 300 passes in two seasons for the Green Wave and posted a career QB rating of 108.6 in two seasons. His throwing ability and powerful arm make him a player that’s being praised by Archie Manning as an “outstanding quarterback with a great arm and great decision making.”

Lee had to sit last season after he decided to transfer to Nebraska, and watching him start for the Huskers this season is going to be interesting. Watching him grow and develop in the Husker offense will be entertaining, and a bit intimidating. When Tanner sets foot in Memorial Stadium in September, the Illini better be ready to defend against his arm. Otherwise, it could be a long evening...