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Illinois Football: 6 Illini players who will benefit the most from Bret Bielema

By Rees Woodcock

Sep 30, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema after the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2017; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema after the game against the New Mexico State Aggies at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 42-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Chase Brown (2) runs the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

4. RB Chase Brown

Throughout the coaching history of Bret Bielema, his programs have had great running games. This is going to bode well for Illinois running back, Chase Brown. Brown is coming off a season where he finished No. 5 in the Big Ten in rushing yards. Look for this to be a marriage made in heaven.

The Numbers

Coach Bielema’s rushing attacks have been quite impressive over the span of his coaching career. He has coached 12 seasons in DI football, and of those 12 campaigns, his teams have finished in the top five in their conference 10 times.

What is even more impressive is that Coach Bielema’s Wisconsin programs finished at the top of the Big Ten three times and were in the top two a total of five-straight seasons. The ability to run the ball is there with the new coaching regime.

Even with the transition to the SEC, Coach Bielema was in the top five in the conference the first three seasons with Arkansas. So, the proof is there of a solid running game.

Talent Development

Some big names have been developed by Coach Bielema and his coaching staff. Montee Ball was one of the best running backs in college football and was picked in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

Coach Bielema also developed James White, who is having a great career with the New England Patriots. He was picked in the 2014 NFL Draft. He also had Melvin Gordon in the backfield during his time coaching Wisconsin. Gordon would go on to be a first round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Not only did Wisconsin show that they could produce NFL talent, but the team also had great college players. In 2010, the Badgers had three running backs go over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. Coach Bielema has had a running back go over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in all but one of his seasons of coaching.

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