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Illinois Football: Illini add FB Max Rosenthal to the roster

By Rees Woodcock

Nov 16, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans fullback Max Rosenthal (49) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans fullback Max Rosenthal (49) scores a touchdown in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Illinois football program added another member to the family on Tuesday afternoon.

Illinois is going to need a monster to help clear holes in the defensive line. They need someone who can help break the running back for big gains. It has been a long time since we have had a dominating fullback. That has all changed.

On Tuesday, Max Rosenthal announced his decision to transfer to the University of Illinois. This is an underrated snag for the Illini and one that should pay dividends down the road.


Rosenthal was relatively unknown coming out of New Trier High School and residing in New Trier, Illinois. He ended up walking on to the Spartans roster where he played full back for three years.

The 6-foot-2, 262-pound fullback took a redshirt in 2017 and followed that up with a redshirt freshman campaign that saw him play in eight games. In 2019, Rosenthal had a chance to play in 12 games and started two contests.

Now Rosenthal is looking for a new start to finish up his collegiate career. The finish of his career will be in Champaign. But why did the talented fullback pick the Illini? He let the Writing Illini in on his decision.

“Coach Bielema and his staff showed strong interest through the recruiting process and made it clear the type of program they want to build. It’s an offensive system I see myself feeling comfortable in and excited to be a part of. I also grew up an Illinois fan, so it was always a dream to wear the Orange and Blue.”

What does this mean for Illinois football?

The addition of Rosenthal is going to help the Illini tremendously. Bret Bielema and his coaching staff are going to run a completely different offense than the previous regime. I think we are going to be more run-heavy.

That means the Illini will need a good fullback to open holes. The beneficiaries of Rosenthal coming to Illinois will be players like Reggie Love and Mike Epstein. I believe they will both have solid years thanks to Rosenthal’s blocking.

Next. Danny McGuire “excited” to see Illini hire Bret Bielema. dark

Coach Bielema wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to win back the state of Illinois. He has brought in some solid talent who will help this program win games, and he hasn’t even been a month on the job. I can’t wait to see what he can do with a year under his belt.

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