While Illinois’ rushing offense has remained dominant, the Illini are doing it by committee this year rather then relaying on one dominant runner like they did in 2007 (Rashard Mendenhall) and 2010 (Mikel Leshoure). Four different Illini have over 200 rushing yards on the season, and all four have scored at least one rushing TD. Senior RB Troy Pollard (a runner in the Daniel … [Read more...] about Troy Pollard, Jay Prosch Add to Illini RB Depth
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Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Given the recent tradition/memories of the last two players to wear the famed #5 in Champaign: Mikel Leshoure (a Detroit Lions rookie who will miss the season with an injury) and the Pittsburgh Steelers Rashard Mendenhall (who's developed into a Pro Bowl, 1,000 yard rusher style NFL back) it's easy to see why the jersey number is starting to take on a special meaning for … [Read more...] about Donovonn Young Might Continue Illini #5 Running Back Tradition
Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 1 Wisconsin
Since Ron Zook took over at Illinois (2005), the top two rushing teams in the Big Ten have been Illinois and Wisconsin. It will surprise you, but the leagues top rushing team is the Illini, while the Badgers are second. Another surprising fact: the two schools are tied for 5th most players on current NFL rosters among Big Ten teams. This season is very young, but so far if you … [Read more...] about Badgers, Illini Again Top Rushing Teams in Big 10: Part 1 Wisconsin
A.J. Jenkins Develops into Illini Go-to Receiver, Big Ten Star
In the 2009 preseason, college football experts were proclaiming the Illinois Fighting Illini receiving corps to be the best in the Big Ten, and among the best in the nation. Well, the Illini finished 10th in passing in the conference out of 11 teams and stumbled to a 3-9 record. So it's safe to say that the WRs fell short of expectations. … [Read more...] about A.J. Jenkins Develops into Illini Go-to Receiver, Big Ten Star