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Illinois Football: Early Illini projected depth chart for 2018

By Rees Woodcock

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Lovie Smith of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks on during the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on October 21, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Fighting Illini 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Running back Mike Epstein
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Running back Mike Epstein /

Running Back

Starter: Mike Epstein

The running back situation for the Illinois football team gets a little hairy after their starter. I really liked the emergence of Mike Epstein as a true freshman last season.

Epstein only played in five games last year due to an injury, but in those games he was sensational. He even ended up as the Illinois leading rusher for the 2017 campaign. He finished the year with 57 carries for 346 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught four passes for 59 yards and a touchdown as well.

Illinois needs Epstein to be healthy the entire year or their backfield becomes a complete mess. There is no reason that a running back who only played five games is still the leading rusher on the team by seasons end. Depth at running back concerns me.

Backup: Ra’Von Bonner

I have Ra’Von Bonner projected as the No. 2 running back heading into the 2018 season. He was a player I didn’t think would see much time in 2017 but the coaching staff decided to put the freshmen forward.

Last season, Bonner started off slow and I was one of his critics. But, he started to develop nicely before getting hurt and missing the last five games of the year. Before that, though, he started in three games and played in a total of six.

The 2018 campaign will be interesting to see what Lovie and the Illini do with their running backs. I think Bonner will be the No. 2 ball carrier to start the year but looking at the past, who knows how the running backs will be shuffled.

Backup: Reggie Corbin

Illinois has a few electric running backs who can really give the Illini a shot in the arm of energy. Reggie Corbin fits that role. He is likely to be the No. 3 running back, though.

Corbin didn’t play much last season after seeing action in 12 games in 2016. He only played in eight games last year and had 18 carries for 78 yards.

Backup: Dre Brown

The No. 4 running back for the Illini is likely to be Dre Brown. He was a highly rated recruit coming into the program, but injuries have plagued his career.

Last season, Brown finally had a chance to see the field. He ended up playing in six games and had a start at running back. He ended the season with 31 carries for 138 yards. Like the majority of ball carriers, Brown missed the final six games of the season due to injury.

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