March 5, 2014

The Fighting Illini opened spring practices with a spirited two-hour and 30-minute early-morning session inside the Irwin Indoor Practice Complex on Wednesday. It was the first of 15 spring workouts allowed by the NCAA, culminating with the annual Orange and Blue Spring Game on April 12.

One of the main story lines this spring is the quarterback battle between senior Reilly O'Toole and sophomores Aaron Bailey and Wes Lunt.

"I think they were very competitive, but it's their first day," Illini head coach Tim Beckman said of the quarterbacks. "We didn't get a bunch of reps, so the reps that you do have to be perfect. I was happy with the way they competed."

Up Next: Several former Illini players will showcase their skills for NFL scouts at Pro Day on Thurday. Then on Friday morning the Illini will return to the field at 8 a.m.

@TimBeckman on Instagram:

Wednesday's Post-Practice Interviews with Beckman, offensive coordinator Bill Cubit and quarterback Wes Lunt: