There was some movement in the Illinois football world on Wednesday with some former players heading to the professional ranks.
No, this has nothing to do with Illini players going to the NFL. The professional league I am referring to is the restart of the once famous, United States Football League or better known as the USFL.
The USFL held their draft to determine what players would play for which teams. This was a two-day event held Tuesday and finished up on Wednesday. The teams selecting, in order, were the Michigan Panthers, Tampa Bay Bandits, Philadelphia Stars, New Jersey Generals, Houston Gamblers, Birmingham Stallions, Pittsburgh Maulers, and the New Orleans Breakers.
What USFL teams picked the former Illinois football players?
- Carroll Phillips – 4th Round – Edge Rusher
The first former Illini to go off the board was Carroll Phillips. Phillips finished with 90 tackles, 12 sacks, and three fumble recovers while with the Illinois football team.
After his stint with the Orange and Blue, Phillips would play three years in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, and the Washington Commanders.
Carroll now looks to stick in the USFL. With the sixth pick in the fourth round, the Philadelphia Stars selected Phillips.
- Reggie Corbin – 28th Round – Running Back
Former Illini legend, Reggie Corbin, was picked next for the Illinois football team. He had great success with the Orange and Blue, rushing for 1,085 yards and nine touchdowns in 2018. This superstar has the ability to play, and the USFL is going to find that out quickly.
Corbin won’t be traveling too far from Champaign, as he is heading to the Michigan Panthers with the fifth pick in the 28th round. This will be a good spot for the talented former Illini ball carrier.
Look for these two talented former Illinois football players to get their chance to shine in the USFL. This could be their chance to develop and be a part of something special.