Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

The massive amount of talent Illinois has had at running back over the decades is phenomenal. There have been players in every decade who have dominated at their position. Jim Grabowski was one of those great players in the mid-1960s.

Grabowski dons quite a few Illinois rushing lists. He is No. 3 all time in career rushing yards with 2,878. His big season was in 1965 where he rushed for 1,258 yards, which ranks No. 5 on the single-season rushing list. He is also No. 5 in career rushing touchdowns with 24 for the Illini.

The big-time numbers Grabowski put up earned him some big-time accolades. He was a First-Team All-American in 1964 and 1965 as a fullback. The 1965 selection was a consensus selection. He was also a big reason the Illinois football team made and won the 1964 Rose Bowl over Washington. He rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown in that game.

Grabowski did wonders on the football field. His consistency during his three-year run was impressive. He was able to take this program back to a Rose Bowl and get the win. His ability to run the ball and the awards he has earned put him at No. 8 on this list.