The Fighting Illini have always had strong players in the running back position. Last season, they had Reggie Love III, Josh McCray, Aidan Laughery, Kaden Feagin, and Jordan Anderson. Unfortunately, injuries affected each of these players. McCray and Anderson had season-ending injuries. With Love III transferring to Purdue, the Fighting Illini are bringing back the core of their running game.
Let’s take a look at each player:
Kaden Feagin: Entering his sophomore season as the starter, Feagin played in nine games last year, starting in four. He rushed for 438 yards and scored two touchdowns. He also gained 116 receiving yards. Feagin was twice named Big Ten Freshman of the Week and received honorable mention all-conference honors.
Josh McCray: McCray had an injury-plagued redshirt sophomore year. However, as a junior, he has the chance to return to his freshman form. In 2021, McCray had 112 carries for 549 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He ranked ninth in the Big Ten in rushing yards per carry (4.9) and 14th nationally among freshmen. If he stays healthy, he can be a key player.
Aidan Laughery: Laughery played in nine games as a redshirt freshman before missing three games due to injury. He finished the season with 81 rushing yards, including a touchdown against FAU on September 23, 2023.
Jordan Anderson: Anderson, a three-star recruit from Joliet, missed his freshman year due to a knee injury sustained in training camp. He is ready to start his sophomore year with a fresh start. In high school at Joliet Catholic, Anderson rushed for 1,544 yards, scored 31 touchdowns, and earned two-time All-Chicago Catholic League honors.
Ca’Lil Valentine: A four-star recruit from Hayward, California, Valentine has an impressive resume. During his three-year career at Chandler High School, he rushed for 3,242 yards and scored 42 rushing touchdowns. He was named the Archie Amerson Running Back of the Year and made the AIA 6A All-State team.
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The Fighting Illini have a talented group of running backs, and with some players returning from injury, the team is looking strong for the upcoming season. The key will be keeping everyone healthy and seeing how these players perform on the field.
