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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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EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 29: Josh Ferguson #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs past Kyle Queiro #21 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half on November 29, 2014 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL – NOVEMBER 29: Josh Ferguson #6 of the Illinois Fighting Illini runs past Kyle Queiro #21 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half on November 29, 2014 at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

1. Josh Ferguson

The No. 1 player on this list put up good stats in the rushing and receiving categories. Josh Ferguson was a threat running and catching the ball. He put up impressive numbers. His stats were never eye-popping, but I think he gave Illinois the most consistent production on this list.

In his first season, Ferguson played only three games and rushed for 52 yards. Ferguson’s redshirt freshman season was where he gave a glimpse of the running back he could be in the future. Ferguson’s stats consisted of 312 rushing yards and 251 receiving yards.

Ferguson put the Big Ten on notice in his sophomore year. His rushing stats consisted of 779 yards and 7 touchdowns on 141 total carries. He showed his ability to be a third-down back by catching 50 passes for 535 yards and 4 touchdowns on 10.7 yards per catch.

In Ferguson’s Junior year, he put up solid numbers again, rushing for 735 yards and 8 touchdowns. He caught 50 passes for 427 yards and 2 touchdowns that season as well.

The final year Ferguson was in Champaign, he put up similar numbers to the previous two years. Sadly, he dealt with injuries and only played in nine games. Ferguson rushed for 708 yards and 3 touchdowns. His receiving numbers dropped, as he only caught 37 passes for 280 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Ferguson ended his Illinois football career being No. 2 in all-time receptions for an Illinois player and No. 6 in all-time Illinois career rushing yards.

Next. Top 5 Illini quarterbacks of the 2010s. dark

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