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Illinois Football: Projected Illini depth chart against UConn

ByRees Woodcock|
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 19: General view of an Illinois Fighting Illini helmet before the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Champaign, Illinois. Wisconsin defeated Illinois 56-32. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 10: Running back Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks free of the tackle of defensive back Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 10: Running back Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini breaks free of the tackle of defensive back Aaron Williams #24 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium on November 10, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Running Back

Starter: Reggie Corbin

The starter for the rest of the season should be Reggie Corbin. He is the leader in the backfield for the Illini.

Illinois got out to a big lead in the Akron game, so Corbin didn’t see a ton of playing time. He only carried the ball 6 times for 36 yards and 1 touchdown. I would assume he gets more carries during games that are closer. I wouldn’t be surprised if he sees less than 10 carries against UConn on Saturday.

Backup: Ra’Von Bonner

Lovie Smith released the sad news that Mike Epstein will miss the entire 2019 campaign due to a knee injury. This is opening the door for Ra’Von Bonner to emerge as the backup running back for the Illini.

Bonner looks good this season. I feel like he gained muscle and he is quicker. He ended up rushing for 38 yards and 1 touchdown against Akron. I expect his usage to continue to be solid the rest of the season. I am excited to see what he can do this season.

Backup: Dre Brown, Jakari Norwood, Kenyon Sims

Behind Corbin and Bonner, I have Dre Brown, Jakari Norwood and Kenyon Sims all sharing the rock. It is hard to say who looked better on Saturday against Akron, but I believe all three can have a solid impact on the Illini. I would bet Brown gets the most usage out of the three, though.

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