Running Back
Starter: Chase Brown
For the first time in a long time, I am pretty comfortable with the starters for the Illinois football team. The No. 1 running back on the depth chart is, easily, Chase Brown.
Brown touted the rock in 2020 with great success. He was the leading rusher for the Illini with 540 yards and 3 touchdowns. Remember, this was in just eight games. Brown is a work-horse type of running back who averaged 5.2 yards per carry last season. I expect him to be in the top three in rushing in the Big Ten and one of the breakout stars in college football.
Backup: Chase Hayden
Quality depth at running back is something relatively new to the Illinois roster. I love what we are putting out on the field this season at tailback. Chase Hayden transferred into the program and should be the No. 2 running back on the depth chart.
Hayden committed to Bret Bielema back when he was with Arkansas. He is now looking to finish up his college career back with his old ball coach. Hayden has always been an effective runner averaging 4.6 yards per carry for his career. If we can get that out of him as a backup, then Illinois should be good in the backfield.
Backup: Reggie Love III
Reggie Love still hasn’t used a year of eligibility yet. He is going to be the No. 3 running back on the depth chart to start the season, but don’t be shocked if Love works his way up to No. 2. The future of the Illinois running attack goes through Love. This kid has so much talent.