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Illinois Football: 5 Illini players to be excited about after spring practice

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 05: Illinois Fighting Illini band members cheer on the football team during the Big Ten Conference game as the Illini take on the Michigan State Spartans on November 5, 2016, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - NOVEMBER 05: Illinois Fighting Illini band members cheer on the football team during the Big Ten Conference game as the Illini take on the Michigan State Spartans on November 5, 2016, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 14: Ra’Von Bonner
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 14: Ra’Von Bonner /

3. Ra’Von Bonner

No one was really sure what the running back situation would look like entering the 2017 campaign. A talented rusher had transferred the year before and Illinois was left with an experienced senior, some injury prone guys and a few incoming freshmen.

The backfield was shaken up early, though. Mike Epstein ended up being the lead running back followed by Ra’Von Bonner. I really didn’t care for Bonner much to start the season but he wore on me.

Bonner is a 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back who started to emerge as a serious contender for snaps last season before going down with an injury. He started the season off badly, though. He had 18 carries for 36 yards in his first three games in the Orange and Blue. But, the final three games for Bonner were much better than his first three.

In the final three games for Bonner last season, he rushed for 166 yards on 49 carries. That is a 3.38 yards per carry average compared to his first three games of 2 yards per carry. His development was nice to see in 2017.

Spring practice was great for Bonner as well. He really made an impact in the new Illini offense led by offensive coordinator Rod Smith. The offense is more of a fun-and-gun style and the running backs will benefit greatly.  He even had a big 75-yard touchdown run as well.

Getting Bonner healthy and ready to go for the season is going to be important. I am excited to finally have some depth at running back. Illinois has weapons and the Big Ten better watch out.

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