Writing Illini
Fansided

Building the Illinois football program: Running Backs

By Rees Woodcock

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 09: Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) runs the ball during a non-conference college football game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, September 09, 2017, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. Illinois won, 20-7. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 09: Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) runs the ball during a non-conference college football game between the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, September 09, 2017, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. Illinois won, 20-7. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Illinois football team has a special running back who is going to be starting in 2018.

I am excited to see what Mike Epstein can do when he has a full healthy season under his belt. The running back position has changed since Lovie Smith’s first season at the helm.

Here is how the running back position is building.

2016 Starter: Ke’Shawn Vaughn (4-Star #235 Class of 2015)

When Lovie Smith came into the Illinois football program, he was handed a roster that was in shambles at just about every position. One position that seemed solid was at running back led by Ke’Shawn Vaughn.

Vaughn spent one season with Lovie and rushed for 301 yards and 3 touchdowns on just 60 carries. Something happened in the backfield that season as Vaughn only received the rock a maximum of eight times in a game after his great performance against North Carolina where he ran for 116 yards and a touchdown. Vaughn would transfer to Vanderbilt after the season ended.

Backup: Kendrick Foster (3-Star #1346 Class of 2013)

The backup to start the 2016 season was Kendrick Foster. He soon became the starter, though, and rushed for 720 yards and 7 touchdowns on 126 carries. He was really good when he saw playing time. Foster emerged as a viable option moving forward thanks to his solid 2016 campaign.

Backup: Reggie Corbin (3-Star #1534 Class of 2015)

The third running back on the Illini depth chart to start the 2016 season was Reggie Corbin. This was his first real season playing, and he showed some signs of life. He finished the year averaging 6.1 yards per carry, which led all running backs. He also rushed for 523 yards and 2 touchdowns as well.

2018 Starter: Mike Epstein (3-Star #1063 Class of 2017)

Mike Epstein is entering his sophomore season with the Orange and Blue. These are exciting times for the program considering how well Epstein performed last season in the short span we were able to watch him on the field.

Epstein ended up being the leading rusher for the Illini. He carried the ball 57 times for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns. The only reason he didn’t have more carries was that he went down with an injury five games into the season. He was on pace for 1,052 all-purpose yards in 2017. Look for him to shine again in 2018 and, hopefully, stay healthy.

Backup: Dre Brown (3-Star #457 Class of 2015)

The backup spot for the Illini entering the 2018 season is up in the air. One of the veterans who showed something last season after dealing with years of injuries was Dre Brown. I think he could be in line for the primary backup role in 2018. He finished with 31 carries for 138 yards last season and that comes out to a 4.5 yards per carry average.

Backup: Reggie Corbin (3-Star #1534 Class of 2015)

Again, the backup situation is tough for the Illini. They have three players who I think could end up being the primary backup. Reggie Corbin will have a say in what goes on with the backup spot this upcoming season. He rushed for 78 yards on 18 carries last season, which comes out to a 4.3 yards per carry average.

Next: Projected floor and ceiling for the Illini recruits in year one

Backup: Ra’Von Bonner (3-Star #1363 Class of 2017)

Ra’Von Bonner played a lot last season. He rushed the ball 67 times for 202 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was one of the lead backs when Epstein went down with an injury. But, my concern here is, Bonner only averaged 3 yards per carry last season. He needs to improve that number entering the 2018 campaign.

Home/Illinois Football