When Oregon Ducks take on the Illinois Fighting Illini, they will face an NFL prospect, but one not many are talking about in quarterback Luke Altmyer. A transfer from Ole Miss, Altmyer has been a player who has steadily improved over time and now finds himself as one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country. The Illini signal caller is completing 65.9 percent of his passes, has 1,506 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and just one interception. He has also added two rushing touchdowns.

The Ducks have had no shortage of elite talent so far this season. Through seven games, they’ve seen the likes of Heisman Trophy front-runner running back Ashton Jeanty of Boise State, All-American safety Caleb Downs of Ohio State, and projected top-100 tackle Marcus Mbow, who lined up for Purdue. Those are just a few of the names, but there are a handful more who will surely hear their names called as National Football League draft picks.

Before Oregon’s matchup with Illinois, coach Ducks Dan Lanning shared some of his thoughts on defending Altmyer.

“You’re defending a guy who can also run and throw the ball extremely well, but he’s been a good decision maker. You don’t come to this point in the season and only have one interception and be a bad decision maker. So he gives his guys an opportunity to play on the ball. I think they do a really good job for him and let him play within the system. And then he does a good job with his feet taken away,” Lanning said.

The statistics say he has been a great decision maker, but statistics can often lie or at least deceive. Some quarterbacks have low interception rates but often put the ball in the danger zone with erratic processing and more often a lack of arm talent or natural ability to get the ball where it needs to go in time. Altmyer is a player who has truly earned his stripes, as he hasn’t always been the player he is now.

After a massive win over Michigan last week, Altmyer described the feeling and experience that shaped him into the player he is today. He is a player who will not be phased out the moment he plays against the No. 1 team in the country. He’s been in tough environments, and he’s earned his stripes. He’s very talented, and more than anything, he’s tough as nails.

“Yeah, I just think he’s a guy that causes a lot of problems with his athleticism and his ability. He’s been able to extend plays. He’s got good feet, so he can run. I think that’s always a challenge defensively,” Lanning said of the challenge Altmyer presents.

Altmyer won’t be a first-round draft pick, but he’ll certainly be a prospect fighting to make the team within the next few years. He may never get a big collegiate stage like this again. You can be sure he will fight to prove himself for the country against the Ducks.