Williams plots new course at Illinois

Photo by: Stephen Haas/The News-GazetteCHAMPAIGN — Justice Williams’ switch from linebacker to wide receiver was his idea. He brought it to the Illinois coaching staff last fall after repping with the scout team offense late in the 2017 season when there was a need for an extra receiver.

“I had a couple good practices on scout team,” Williams said. “I was like, ‘You know what, man? Linebacker’s cool, but I think I could have a better shot at contributing at receiver.’”

The way Williams handled himself moving back to the position he also played at Wakeland High School in Frisco, Texas, had the Illinois coaches intrigued.

“For Justice, running some routes, everybody saw those days and said,…