Illinois Football: Top 5 Illini players poised to have a breakout season

1. Reggie Love III

The No. 1 player who is poised to have a breakout season is someone who will benefit greatly from the style of play that Bret Bielema likes to run. We saw what he could do with Chase Brown, and now I think he can do the same with Reggie Love III.

Love committed to Illinois from the class of 2020. He was a high three-star recruit who could have gone anywhere, but he picked the Illini. The thing that means the most to me is that he has stuck with the Orange and Blue through a coaching change and the current staff loading up on running back talent.

Through three seasons, Love hasn’t been given the chance to shine due to talent being ahead of him. He had to deal with Brown’s greatness for a couple of seasons, but those days are over. Brown is in the NFL, and now Love has a chance to take the reins in the backfield.

As the years have gone on, Love has increased his yards per carry as he continued to get more and more carries. This past season, he had 71 carries for 330 yards and two touchdowns. He ended the season averaging 4.6 yards per carry as well.

Love has solid speed, but I think his hips and vision make him special. He is able to get out of a tackle and maneuver around defenders with ease. He is truly a magician in the backfield.

I am not expecting Brown-like numbers from Love in 2023. He has a ton of talent behind him who will get carries at times. But I could see Love having a big season both on the ground and through the air. I am pegging Love to have 700 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving. I think getting over 1,000 all-purpose yards would be a breakout season for Love.