Illinois Football: Class of 2017 Running Backs are Underrated
The running back class seems to be the most underrated for the Illinois football team right now.
Illinois had opening day starting running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn transfer out of the program after a bumpy road to finish the season.
Vaughn announced yesterday that he will be transferring to Vanderbilt to finish out his football career.
If I was told before the 2016 season that Vaughn would be transferring after the year I would have been devastated. He was clearly our No. 1 running back before the season started.
No. 5 for the #Illini #WeWillWin @Dat26Kid pic.twitter.com/d2b7ywNaoi
— Writing Illini (@WritingIlliniFS) February 1, 2017
No. 7 for 2017. #Illini #WeWillWin @cantguardray_21 pic.twitter.com/1hRV2VOru6
— Writing Illini (@WritingIlliniFS) February 1, 2017
But, the likes of Reggie Corbin and Kendrick Foster emerged as better options in Lovie Smith and Garrick McGee’s offense. This was clear throughout 2016.
In addition to having those two and some other running backs from last season, the Illini are adding two running backs from the class of 2017 as well.
Ra’Von Bonner and Mike Epstein are both coming in as three-star, highly touted, recruits. I see a place on the field for both of them in the near future.
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This class of running backs for the Illini is extremely underrated as well.
I think Epstein will be used in year one because he is a very versatile player that can run and catch the ball. He will be used in more of a third down role, much like Corbin.
On the other hand, I think Bonner should sit and get a feel for the game in 2017. He is going to be a superstar running back but he has a handful of running backs ahead of him.
I think Bonner will end up redshirting year one and then being a force in the years to follow.
After the 2017 season, Foster will be departing. This means that no matter what happens with these two running backs coming in, there will be playing time available in 2018.
Next: Illini Recruits Signed and Committed for 2017
The future for the Illinois football team is bright. With Bonner and Epstein in the mix, I see success on the horizon.