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Illinois Football: Projected Illini offensive depth chart entering training camp

By Rees Woodcock

PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 06: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs in for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - OCTOBER 06: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs in for a touchdown against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second quarter at HighPoint.com Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 24: Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Corbin (2) runs the ball during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 24, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 24: Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Corbin (2) runs the ball during a game between the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats on November 24, 2018, at Ryan Field in Evanston, IL. (Photo by Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Running back

Starter: Reggie Corbin

The obvious starter at running back for the Illini is Reggie Corbin. This kid had an amazing season as a junior in which we saw him eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark. I expect an even better senior campaign out of him. He has the ability to put up over 1,500 yards for this program. Offensive coordinator Rod Smith has to be drooling over what he inherited.

Backup: Kyron Cumby

I have a surprising option at the backup running back spot. I am putting Kyron Cumby in this position. He doesn’t have the experience of some of the players on the roster, but he might be the most explosive running back on the team. Coach Smith’s offensive calls for explosion, so I think he might end up favoring Cumby in the long run.

3rd String: Mike Epstein

Mike Epstein has a little bit of Mike Dudek in him. If he could ever stay healthy, there would be a good chance he would be a lead back on this team next season. But that hasn’t been the case so far. When he does see the field, though, this kid is electric. I want his health to get in order this season.

4th String: Dre Brown

The impact Dre Brown is going to have on the Illini this season is invaluable. He likely won’t see a lot of touches, but his experience and leadership will be huge. He will guide the young guys and help them build a successful career.

5th String: Ra’Von Bonner

Ra’Von Bonner was thrown into the fire the last couple of seasons because of the lack of depth on the roster. Illinois is now building some depth, so I think he falls back on the depth chart. Bonner is still a solid goal line option, though.

6th String: Jakari Norwood

I could see a redshirt with Jakari Norwood in 2019. I know that I put him as one of the sleepers this upcoming season, but with the depth we have he could end up redshirting. That wouldn’t be the worst option in the world.

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