Illinois football shows running back depth with 2024 Doak Walker award watchlist

The running back position should be a strength heading into the 2024 season for the Illinois football program.

Under the Bret Bielema era, the Illini have touted multiple great running backs. The most recent was Chase Brown, who dazzled his way into one of the greatest seasons in program history.

The trend of great running backs doesn’t seem to be coming to a close anytime soon either. On Tuesday afternoon, the 2024 Doak Walker award candidates were released. This award is earned by the best running back in the college game.

Familiar names don the prestigious list. Penn State’s Kaytron Allen, Michigan’s Donovan Edwards, and Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson are all vying for this great honor.

Illinois also has two players who made the list. The first is starting running back, Kaden Feagin. The second of the names is a more surprising choice. Illinois running back Josh McCray is starting the season on the Doak Walker award watchlist.

Having two Illinois football running backs on the 2024 Doak Walker award watchlist shows the depth at the running back position

The days of Brown touting the rock are over, but a new generation of Illinois running backs is just beginning. We have a special backfield in 2024, and the fact the Illini landed two on the 2024 Doak Walker award watchlist shows how much talent we have entering the season.

After a freshman season that saw Feagin go for 438 yards and two touchdowns, I figured he would be on the list of top running backs in the country. I would argue, I have never been more excited about a running back in my lifetime. This kid has so much potential.

To me, the shocker was McCray making the list. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy, getting just 62 carries in the past two seasons combined. In my projected depth chart, I actually have Aidan Laughery as Illinois’ No. 2 running back heading into 2024.

Illinois has the potential to have a special season. Our running backs will be a big part of the success. Getting two on the 2024 Doak Walker award watchlist is a big deal.