Ex-Illinois QB Jeff George Jr. appears headed to UM as grad walk-on

Former Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. appears to be transferring to Michigan as a graduate walk-on who has two years of eligibility.

George, son of former Illinois standout and NFL quarterback Jeff George, announced in January via social media that he would be transferring from Illinois. He posted on Twitter and Instagram on Tuesday night a photo of a Michigan Block M and wrote “Go Blue!!!”.

He joins a crowded quarterback room at Michigan that includes Shea Patterson, who transferred from Ole Miss last December and was cleared by the NCAA in late April for immediate eligibility; Brandon Peters, who started for the Wolverines late last season; Dylan McCaffrey and early enrollee freshman Joe Milton.

George made nine starts over the last two seasons with the Illini. He threw for 1,743 yards with 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, completing 48 percent of his attempts. He redshirted in 2015.

He told TheWolverine.com in a story published Tuesday night that he will be attending Michigan as long as his grad school application is accepted.

"I saw it as the best opportunity for me, and Coach (Jim) Harbaugh is giving me the chance to compete, which is all I’m asking for,” George told TheWolverine. “Also, Michigan is an unbelievable program with great history and I’m looking forward to contributing to that in any way possible."

In his announcement that he was leaving Illinois, George thanked coach Lovie Smith and the staff but said it was time to move on. He graduated from Illinois’ business school with a degree in management.

“(I decided) it would be in my best interest to pursue my athletic career with 2 years of eligibility left at a school that will best utilize the abilities I have to offer,” George wrote in January.

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