Illini Football: Four Players to watch for Big Plays

The Illini Football offense is seeking to have a breakout season in 2024, and there are some highly possible home run hitters within Barry Lunney Jr’s unit.

Of course, this does not mean that the guys I have named will be the top offensive producer. However, when you need a big play or a big play has been made, you can count on one of these talented Illini playmakers.

Oct 6, 2023; Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

RB – Kaden Feagin

Unfortunately, a stellar freshman breakout performance from the Central Illinois native was suddenly halted by a shoulder injury vs. Indiana. However, according to Bret Bielema, Feagin is healthy and ready to be a leader of this Illini offense in 2024. Standing in at 6’3, and 250lbs with freakish speed for his size, the young man from Arthur has plenty of potential to break off big plays for Illinois Football.

WR – Zakhari Franklin

Certainly, being the top returning wide receiver in the nation going into the 2024 season is a plus. Franklin is a home run hitter, who, much like many Illini, was bitten by the injury bug in 2023. Furthermore, Franklin was buried in the talented depth the Ole Miss wide receiving core possessed. Now, Zakhari has the chance to take a heavy amount of snaps as an Illini starter in 2024, under a very familiar OC in Barry Lunney Jr. Remember September 4th, 2021? Let us hope Barry and Franklin can repeat that success in Champaign with the speedy playmaker.

WR –  Pat Bryant 

A veteran to the Illinois Football offense, who has been a big play threat for the Illini in recent since 2022. Now in his third season developing under Barry Lunney, Pat may have the best chance of being the Illini’s go-to big play threat.

Possible Surprise: RB – Aidan Laughery

Thad Ward‘s running back unit is a big and powerful group, with the likes of Kaden Feagin, Jordan Anderson, and Josh McCray. Each back brings its own spin on being a power back. However, Adian is the speed in this room, paired with incoming freshman Ca’lil Valentine. Laughery is an exciting athlete when he gets his hands on the football. Certainly, the sophomore from Gibson City is a sleeper to be a big play threat for Illinois Football.

Quick Thought

Barry Lunney Jr seems to be very confident in the depth and talent that he possesses across the board on his offensive roster. Certainly, the Illini playcaller is in a much better situation than an Illinois Football OC has been in, in quite some time. With more “big play” threats at his availability, will Lunney’s offense take a sizeable leap in 2024?