Former Illinois football running back Reggie Corbin earned some high honors from the USFL on Thursday.
After not getting picked in the NFL Draft, the former Illini star took whatever opportunity he could get to prove that he was a talented running back. Corbin signed on with the Michigan Panthers after being selected in the 28th round of the inaugural USFL Draft.
This 28th-round selection meant that no one thought Corbin was an elite-level talent. Going that deep in the draft means you are a place filler. But that is all Corbin needed. He just needed a chance to shine, and boy howdy did Corbin shine.
Corbin would finish the 2022 campaign with 85 carries for 514 yards and two touchdowns. He was clearly one of the best players on the Panthers and one of the best running backs in the USFL. That is why, on Thursday, Corbin earned the honors of being named to the inaugural All-USFL Team.
The moment Coach Fisher broke the news to the team that @ReggieCorbin made the inaugural All-USFL team offense 🐾🙌 pic.twitter.com/9tk0CdJ5gY
— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 16, 2022
Reggie Corbin is carrying the running back flag for the Illinois football program.
The first season Corbin had in the USFL was memorable. He was third in the league in rushing yards this season, but that is incredible considering Corbin only had 85 carries compared to first and second place, which had 140 and 120 carries, respectively.
Corbin had the best rushing average in the USFL for any running back who had at least 50 carries. Corbin averaged 6.0 yards per carry. The next closest player with at least 50 carries was De’Andre Johnson, who averaged 4.6 yards per carry.
The fact Corbin earned All-USFL is quite an impressive feat. He was the best running back in the league, and he proved that each time he stepped onto the field. Corbin is also the running back who is carrying the flag for the Illinois football program.
I might be wrong here, but I don’t think there is another running back in the professional ranks who finished his career with Illinois and is still playing professional football. I believe Corbin is the lone running back to emerge.
I also believe that Corbin should get his shot at the next level, meaning the NFL. He has proven his professional abilities with the USFL. I would love to see him get a shot with an NFL team this summer. No matter what though, Corbin is making all of Illini Nation proud.