Illinois Football: Illini running back situation could get interesting

The Illinois football team completed their annual spring game on Saturday.

This is a fun game for the players to display their talent and connect with the fans. I took away some things to look for this fall as well. In the fall, when most of the class of 2019 arrives, the depth chart will officially shake out to what we see on the field during the first game. But, some of the performances on Saturday by a few players could help elevate their standing on the team.

The biggest takeaway from the spring game is from the running back position. I am curious to see who the main ball carrier will be behind Reggie Corbin this season. Obviously, Corbin is going to start. He has a chance to jump up the NFL Draft charts. This kid is going to have a special year. But, who is going to be his primary backup?

Originally, I had Mike Epstein projected as the primary backup for Corbin. When the 2019 campaign starts, I don’t know if that will be the case. I think there is a legit shot we get to see Jakari Norwood as the backup to Corbin for most of the season.

Norwood wasn’t a highly rated recruit coming into the program. He was a three-star recruit who was the No. 2170 player in the class of 2018 and the No. 134 running back in the nation. But, this kid had so much speed. He was electric in high school. He is now bringing that to the Illini. I think he fits Rod Smith’s system better than any other backup running back. He also had a big 52-yard touchdown run during the spring game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as our primary backup in 2019.

This also doesn’t mean the other running backs won’t get playing time. Smith’s offense is a high-energy scheme that requires multiple running backs carrying the rock. Our running backs will get tired. I could see at least three running backs getting carries each game. By seasons end, I could see the depth chart looking like Corbin, Norwood, Dre Brown, Mike Epstein, Ra’Von Bonner and Kenyon Sims. All of these players have talent, though.

It is going to be interesting to see who emerges behind Corbin. I think Norwood has a chance at being the primary backup to start the season, and he is my frontrunner to have the main backup job by seasons end.