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Illinois Football: Top 5 Illini running backs of the 2010s

By Jalen Wilson

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 06: Mikel Leshoure of the Illinios Fighting Illini scores a triple overtime touchdown while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 67-65. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 06: Mikel Leshoure of the Illinios Fighting Illini scores a triple overtime touchdown while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 6, 2010 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 67-65. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini carries the ball for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the secon half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 30: Reggie Corbin #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini carries the ball for a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the secon half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

3. Reggie Corbin

The No. 3 running back on this list is somebody who had a breakout career late with Illinois. Reggie Corbin spent four years in an Orange and Blue uniform and ended up being an impact player for the program.

Corbin had a good first year in Champaign. He put up good numbers while sharing touches with Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Kendrick Foster. Corbin ran the ball a total of 86 times for 523 yards and 2 touchdowns. He showed his ability as a pass-catcher also, catching 10 passes for 112 yards.

The second year of Corbin’s Illini career was his worst. Offensive coordinator Garrick McGee did not utilize Corbin correctly. Corbin only got 18 touches and rushed for 78 yards, and he wasn’t a threat in the passing game, only catching 9 passes for 29 yards.

Corbin’s breakout year came in his junior season with new offensive coordinator, Rod Smith. Smith’s playbook fit Corbin’s skill set just right. Corbin rushed for a total of 1,085 yards and 9 touchdowns. He lit the big ten on fire averaging 8.9 yards per carry. Corbin was more involved in the passing game that season, catching 16 passes for 176 yards.

In Corbin’s final year, his number got worse but that was due to Illinois running back depth being good. He rushed for 675 yards and 7 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Corbin helped lead Illinois to the Redbox Bowl against Cal. He would run for 41 yards in that game, but Illinois sadly fell to the Golden Bears.

All in all, Corbin was a good player who sometimes wasn’t utilized to his full skill set. If Corbin’s sophomore year wasn’t as bad, he may have been No. 1 on this list.

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