Kaden Feagin, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound running back for the Illinois Fighting Illini, made quite an impact in his first season with the team, rushing for an impressive 438 yards. However, his potential was already evident during his standout high school career at Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond. As he gears up for the 2024 season, fans are eager to see if Feagin can surpass his previous performance and join the ranks of legendary Illinois running backs who have left their mark on the program.
One such standout is Mikel Leshoure, a Centennial graduate who set a record with 1,697 rushing yards in 2010. His memorable performance included a remarkable 330 rushing yards at Wrigley Field, showcasing his talent and skill on the field. Another notable running back is Rashard Mendenhall, a Niles West graduate who played a crucial role in Illinois’ 2008 Rose Bowl appearance. Mendenhall’s impressive season saw him top 200 yards in two games and rush for 155 yards in the Rose Bowl game against Southern Cal.
Chase Brown is another name that stands out in Illinois football history, with his durability and skill leading to a successful 2022 season. Brown finished the season with 1,643 yards and showcased his consistency by rushing for over 100 yards in 10 games. Antoineo Harris, a Bolingbrook native, also left his mark on the program with a stellar season in 2002, where he rushed for 1,330 yards and had multiple games with over 150 yards.
Robert Holcombe holds the title of the all-time leading rusher in Illini history, with a standout season in 1996 where he rushed for 1,281 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance in the 46-43 overtime win against Indiana remains a memorable moment in Illinois football history. Jim Grabowski, a standout in the 1965 season, rushed for a then-school record of 1,258 yards and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting.
J.C. Caroline, a talented running back from Columbia, S.C., led the 1953 Illini team to a successful season with 1,256 rushing yards, helping Illinois secure a Big Ten title. Robert Holcombe, who had a standout season in 1997 despite the team’s overall performance, rushed for 1,253 yards and remains the only running back to surpass 4,000 career yards in Illinois history. Keith Jones, a Rock Hill, Mo., native, had a remarkable season in 1988, rushing for 1,196 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Howard Griffith’s senior season in 1990 is remembered for his record-setting performance of eight touchdowns in a single game. The Chicago native rushed for 1,115 yards that season, contributing to Illinois’ Big Ten title win and overall success.
As Kaden Feagin looks ahead to the upcoming season, he has the opportunity to etch his name alongside these legendary Illinois running backs who have left a lasting impact on the program. With his talent, size, and potential, Feagin has the chance to create a memorable 2024 season and solidify his place in Illinois football history. Fans eagerly await to see how Feagin will rise to the challenge and continue the tradition of excellence set by those who came before him.
