CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – For the second year in a row, Illinois will need new pass-catchers to step up.

The Illini graduated Casey Washington and Isaiah Williams after the 2023 campaign.

After week one of the 2024 season, it looked like Malik Elzy might be a big part of replacing that duo. Elzy had two catches for 51 yards and a touchdown in the season opener against EIU. However, he caught just two more passes the rest of the season.

Now, again, Illinois gears up for the season after losing its top two wideouts. This time, it’s Zakhari Franklin and Pat Bryant who Bielema’s teams look to replace production from.

So, could Elzy have more games like the the week one outing of his sophomore campaign?

“When he walks in the room you’re going to be like ‘Okay, there’s a guy.'” Bielema said, citing impressive play from Elzy in a scrimmage last weekend. “So, I think we’re ready to make a big jump… Super excited to see him get back out there. I think he could be a guy that could be poised to make a big jump.”

Bielema says the growth, for the 6-foot-2 junior, starts with the coaching at his position.

“I give a lot of credit to his relationship with his coach. I think him and [wide receivers coach Justin] Stepp have hit it on a high level,” Bielema said. “It’s been fun to see him grow.”

Elzy played in nine games as a freshman in 2023, catching four passes for 77 yards.

Bielema said Elzy has been battling a minor hamstring injury, but it has only added to the his excitement to return to action and make plays. The injury is not expected to linger into the season, click here for more health updates on Illinois football.

Bielema mentioned two other players, both returners, on multiple occasions when talking about the wide receiver room on Tuesday: Hank Beatty and Collin Dixon. Beatty had 294 receiving yards as a junior in 2024, including 90 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. Dixon had 264 receiving yards as a redshirt freshman in 2024.