Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

It is impressive how many great running backs have come through the Illinois football program. They are sprinkled throughout this list. Some of the great ones have been recent players. Other great Illini running backs are from decades ago. Claude “Buddy” Young goes down as one of the greatest.

Young was one of the best athletes Illinois has ever seen. His legacy would have been even greater if he didn’t have to go off to war and if he stuck around the program longer than he did. For that reason, you aren’t going to find him in the statistical record book. But you will find him to be a legend for this program.

During his freshman season in 1944, Young rushed for 842 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was electric and was even given the nickname the “Bronze Bullet”. After his time at war, Illinois had to re-recruit Young and he would eventually come back to Champaign. He would play the 1947 season and help lead the Illini to the Rose Bowl where we beat UCLA, 45-14.

After the Rose Bowl victory, Young would decide to enter the professional ranks to help his family and make money. He would go on to have a great career as a professional football player. His legacy is a special one in the history of the Orange and Blue. There aren’t many to play for this program that has a story like his.