Projected 2024 Illinois football offensive depth chart

Running Back

Starter: Kaden Feagin

As far as physically imposing running backs are concerned, I think Kaden Feagin might take the cake. He is a monster at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds.

I believe Feagin is going to be the undisputed starter at running back for the Illinois football team in 2024. Will other running backs get carries? Sure, but Feagin is the workhorse in the Illini backfield.

As a true freshman, Feagin saw 95 carries for 438 yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged a solid 4.6 yards per carry. If Feagin hadn’t dealt with some injuries later in 2023, he would have had an even bigger season.

Honestly, that is the only question about Feagin at this point. He has proven that he can be a great runner of the football and someone who is difficult to bring down. Shoot, I could see him turning into something similar to that of Derrick Henry down the road. But health is the key factor in making that happen.

Feagin will be the starter in 2024, though. He shared carries with Reggie Love III last season, but I believe Feagin’s starting spot was one of the main reasons Love hit the transfer portal. Look for Feagin to have a massive 2024 campaign.

Backups

I actually like the stable of running backs Illinois has entering the 2024 season. While there are a few great options at backup, I see Aidan Laughery drawing the most carries, and it won’t be close.

Laughery had 16 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown last season. While he was out-carried 43-16 by Josh McCray, he was much more effective, as Laughery averaged 5.1 yards per carry compared to McCray’s 3.6 yards per carry.

When you get to the third and fourth string, I think McCray and incoming freshman Ca’Lil Valentine will duke it out. McCray can’t stay healthy at no fault of his own. Illinois landed Valentine, a four-star, from the class of 2024. I could see him making an impact immediately. This will be a battle to keep an eye on.