Illinois Football: Former Illini RB Dre Brown should get his chance

The Illinois football team has finished up their 2020 campaign which means there are a few handfuls of seniors wanting to make it to the NFL.

It has been a true joy to watch the Illini players stick with this team and make it through the end. They don’t realize how much Illinois fans appreciate their hard work and dedication to the Orange and Blue. One of those players who could have transferred out for a fresh start was Dre Brown.

Brown is moving on from the team to pursue his NFL career. He could have come back, but the next level was calling his name. Since departing the program, he has had a chance to show off his talents in front of decision-makers from 28 NFL teams and eight CFL teams in the SPIRAL Tropical Bowl.

The National Team – which was coached by Jim Collins – featured Brown who was listed as a running back and kick returner.  He also checked in at 5-foot-11, 210-pounds. I am glad Brown is getting a chance to show how much talent he has and how he can help a team.

The game, which was played this past Sunday, January 12, had the National team defeating the American team 35-7. Do you know who led the National team in rushing yards? It was none other than Brown. He carried the ball 7 times for 31 yards. He also had a catch for 14 yards.

I think one of the things that makes Brown such an attractive player for the next level is the heart he brings to the field. Shoot, I could name at least five running backs in the last 20 years who were better than Brown in natural talent. But I don’t think I can name one who brought more heart and passion to the field and locker room.

Brown came into the Illinois program as a highly rated recruit. He was a four-star by all three major recruiting outlets – ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals. The start of his career didn’t go well, though. He missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons with injuries. Even through two torn ACL’s, two sprained MCL’s, a stress fracture and four knee surgeries, Brown continued trucking.

After the rough start, Brown made his debut in 2017. He had 31 carries for 138 yards in year one, 18 carries for 180 yards in year two and, last season, he finished with 113 carries for 584 yards and five touchdowns. He has never dipped below 4.5 yards per carry either.

Brown had a chance to show off his talents at the SPIRAL Tropical Bowl. I have no doubt in my mind he is going to be picked up by a team this upcoming season. Someone with that much talent and double the amount of heart can’t sit on the sidelines.