CHAMPAIGN -- Malik Elzy has the type of wide receiver pedigree that would make him the logical heir apparent in becoming Luke Altmyer's next top target this season.
The Simeon grad was the highest-rated wide receiver to commit to Illinois since Arrelious Benn in 2007 when he made his flip from Cincinnati official at the 2023 All-American Bowl. A four-star recruit ranked as high as a top 25 receiver in the Class of 2023 that totaled 80 catches for 1,699 yards and 23 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Wolverines.
But the returns on the field in Champaign have been minimal through Elzy's first two seasons at Illinois. He's played in nine games each of the past two years, but only in a limited, backup role. The sum total of his production sits at nine catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns -- one as a freshman and another as a sophomore.
The landscape at wide receiver, though, has changed since Elzy first arrived at Illinois. Isaiah Williams, Casey Washington, Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin have all moved on, mostly to the next level, with Williams, Washington and Bryant all on NFL rosters.
There's an opportunity for a new wide receiver to become Altmyer's most trusted option. All Elzy has to do is grab it.
"I think he's improved in his confidence and the understanding and knowledge of the offense," Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr. said. "It takes time. Some guys, it takes a year. Some guys, it takes two. Sometimes, it just clicks. I think it's clicked with him, and he's playing with a lot of confidence and feel good about where he's at."
A hamstring injury during training camp slowed down Elzy's progress this month. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver was sidelined for a week -- a third of camp -- and had to work his way back to full strength once cleared.
But Illinois coach Bret Bielema said Elzy has "had some moments and flashes where he looks like a guy that's ready to take a step forward."
Elzy's physical abilities have never been in question. Illinois wide receivers coach Justin Stepp compares the Illini junior to Denver Broncos star Courtland Sutton, who he coached at SMU, in that way.
"Malik is not as tall as Courtland Sutton, but as far as physical strength there's a lot the same," Stepp said. "Malik has the physicality to body up and use his body as a weapon. We talk about it all the time -- use your body as influence. Lean back, vertical, into people and create some space. That's what he does for sure."
What has changed heading into Elzy's third season in Champaign is his approach. He learned from the veteran wide receivers ahead of him on the depth chart the last two years. Saw the daily routine they followed without fail. Consistency off the field generated more of the same on it.
Bryant's example in that regard has stuck with Elzy now that the former is also carving out a role with the Broncos after Denver made him the No. 74 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft.
"Take it day by day," Elzy said. "That's all you can do. Have faith. Work hard. If you say you're a dog, go be a dog. That's what I really learned from Pat -- keep your head down and keep working. ... Every time I step on that field I don't take it for granted. I bring energy every practice I can just to be there for my team and put everything I've got on the field."
Elzy said he hasn't lost confidence after his first two seasons yielded limited playing time. He stressed the opposite is true, that he's sharper mentally through what he's learned and experienced.
"It's just college for you," Elzy said. "Freshman ends sophomore year you have ups and downs. Once you're on that field, you've got to go be a dog. Once you're off the field, see what's going on and see what you can work on so when your moment comes you can take advantage of it."
Doing so consistently is what Stepp has stressed to Elzy and the rest of the Illinois wide receivers leading up to the 2025 season. Playing time is up for grabs. The most consistent receivers will get it.
"There's a reason why Luke threw it to Zakhari and Pat," Stepp said. "He trusted those guys. They were consistent in how they showed up and worked every day. ... That's my biggest message to those guys is just keep showing up, keep being in the right spot and Luke will trust you.
"I think he knows he does't have to be perfect, but if he goes out there to be the best Malik Elzy every day we'll be fine. ... I think he's in a good head space. He put the work in."