Bob Asmussen | Elzy: 'I feel like I've got something to prove.'

Apr. 5—CHAMPAIGN — We reporters are reminded every year, college football players develop at different speeds.

Take Illinois wide receiver Malik Elzy for example. The superstar prep recruit from Chicago Simeon did not set the world on fire in his rookie season as some expected last fall. Yes, my hand was up high on that one.

I figured the touted receiver would be an immediate factor for Bret Bielema's team. Just like Brandon Lloyd for Ron Turner in 1999 and Arrelious Benn for Ron Zook in 2007.

But it didn't work that way for Elzy. Part of it was the talent around him. Isaiah Williams was one of the best in school history and Casey Washington had a banner year. Pat Bryant set himself up to be the team star in 2024.

In 1999, Michael Dean was the only receiver with more catches than Lloyd. And in 2007, Benn led the Illini by a wide margin.

In nine games last season, Elzy caught five passes for 52 yards and his first collegiate touchdown (against Penn State).

With Williams and Washington now taking their shots at the NFL, Elzy has a chance in 2024.

He is happy to have played with both Williams and Washington.

"Just watching them practice hard every rep, every play," Elzy said this week. "To see that as young guy helped me develop. I learned how to play hard and play fast."

Williams, Washington and Bryant were always the last to leave the practice field, catching extra passes.

Elzy understands you can't rush. He has to make daily progress toward what he expects will be a productive second season with the Illini.

"Spring ball has actually helped me out a lot, learning the plays and learning where I've got to be and manipulating the routes," he said.

Somebody needs to catch passes in 2024. Elzy is ready for a bigger part and wants to be the guy. Or at least one of them.

"I see the opportunity," he said. "Now, I've got to take it. I've got to do what I do, play ball.

"I feel like I have something to prove."

Change at the topElzy has a new voice to listen to. Justin Stepp takes over as receivers coach for George McDonald, who is now at Mississippi.

"Coach Stepp is helping me be that dominant dawg," Elzy said. "He comes from a great program (South Carolina). I've got to show what I can do now."

The small things matter. Attention to detail. Consistency. Talent alone is not enough, even for a guy who checks in at a healthy 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.

When Elzy heard Stepp would be McDonald's replacement, he did a bit of research.

"He's got a lot of guys he sent to the (NFL)," Elzy said. "I wanted to meet him. He's helping our receiving room out a lot."

Stepp has earned the trust and respect of the players.

"He's bringing the energy every day," Elzy said. "That plays a big role."

Stepp likes what he sees from Elzy.

"He reminds me a lot of Mike Woods at Arkansas who is playing with the Cleveland Browns," said Stepp, who coached Woods when they were together with the Razorbacks. "A little bit bigger. Another really smart kid who works really hard and runs good routes. Another guy who cares a lot."

Elzy made a mistake at a recent practice. Ten minutes later, he sought out Stepp to apologize.

"These guys care," Stepp said. "It means a lot to him."

Trigger men

Elzy is developing a connection with starting quarterback Luke Altmyer, backup Donovan Leary and the rest.

"It's going great," Elzy said. "Luke is a great quarterback. He's got to let it rip."

Leary sees Elzy's improvement.

"Malik has definitely grown into a role," Leary said. "He was a big recruit out of high school. He's really getting back to the game. It's football. That's one of the things I keep trying to tell him, 'At the end of the day, we're just going out there trying to have fun.' Malik's been getting better every day. It's going to be exciting to see."

Off the field, Elzy is adapting to college life.

"I'm settling in," he said. "I've got my routine. I feel like it's getting better."

With class, practice, workouts and studying on the schedule, his days are full. Elzy did go home to Chicago for the Easter weekend to see his family.

"Not a lot of free time," he said.