Jan. 23, 2004

Champaign, Ill. - The NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee announced today that University of Illinois fifth-year senior quarterback Jon Beutjer has been granted an extension in eligibility for the 2004-05 academic year.

Beutjer, who started 14 games in two years, passed for 4,008 yards and connected for 31 touchdown passes during his time in both 2002 and 2003. In two seasons, he has completed over 60 percent of his throws and led the Big Ten in passing in 2002. He missed the final five games of last season with a herniated disc in his back.

"This is really a blessing from God," Jon Beutjer said. "This is a great opportunity, and I am just very thankful to Coach Turner, the University and the NCAA for being so supportive of my desire to play another year of collegiate football. Coach has been so good to me since I came to Illinois, and I want to work hard this spring to show how much I appreciate this chance I have been given."

"I am very excited for Jon and this program. We certainly are glad to have him for another season, and he obviously adds a lot to our team," head coach Ron Turner said. "I know this was something he really wanted, and I look forward to getting him healthy and back in the mix for spring ball."