Illini WR Malik Elzy On Same Page With QB Luke Altmyer

Zachary Draves | Aug 13, 2024

Nov 4, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a touchdown pass to wide receiver Isaiah Williams (1) during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

If there was ever a time where the forces aligned in perfect harmony, it would be when Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer teamed up with wide receiver Malik Elzy.

From the moment Elzy stepped foot on the Illinois campus, they immediately bonded after he admired Altmyer while he was playing at Mississippi.

"We've been connected as soon as he came in," Elzy said. "I told when he first came in I remember watching you at Ole Miss in a bowl game and now you here. So it's like I've always been talking to him, checking up on him, see how he's doing. So it's a great connection."

Elzy is entering his sophomore season. Last year he played in nine games, scored a touchdown, and finished with 52 receiving yards. Altmyer is beginning his junior season with the expectation to lead the Fighting Illini offensive to overcome past struggles.

Elzy says Altmyer is a consistent presence with the wide receivers during fall camp combined with an excitement to see what he can do.

"Me and Luke definitely been connecting like he has with all the other receivers," he said. "He's been putting in a great fall camp so I can't wait to see him play."

There is anticipation for the two to become a dynamic duo.

Luke Altmyer and Malik Elzy have the capability of being a DYNAMIC duo for years to come⭐️ @elzy_malik @lukealtmyer9 pic.twitter.com/SkUP6yV0Ps

— Dante J Furco (@DanteFurco) August 17, 2023

Altmyer's experience plus Elzy's freshness could spark something special for the Fighting Illini.

Zachary Draves is a contributor to Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. He can be reached at zdraves1013@gmail.com and on Instagram @zdraves0633.

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