Illini Football Running Back Receives NFL All-Pro Comparison

Illini Running Back Kaden Feagin Receives High Praise

Illini running back Kaden Feagin received some high praise on Tuesday, as he was compared to an NFL All-Pro player.

Bruce Feldman, a reporter for The Athletic added the Illini running back to his “Freaks List.” According to The Athletic, “These athletes boggle the mind. They are… freakish in every sense of the word.”

Luckily for Feagin, Feldman’s breakdown did him considerable justice. The talented Illini back was compared to former Alabama star, and current Baltimore Ravens power back Derrick Henry. Definitely, quite the compliment for any college running back. Standing in at 6’3 and 250 lbs, the measurables are certainly comparable. However, being compared to such major talent is still quite a massive eye-opener.

In 2015, the former Alabama star brought home the Heisman Trophy for the Crimson Tide, after totaling an astonishing 2310 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Moving forward to 2020, Derrick received offensive player of the year honors from the NFL. Of course, that was after totaling 2027 yards on the ground, and 18 touchdowns for the Tennessee Titans.

So, how does Feldman find the Illini Sophomore to be a comparable talent to the NFL All-Pro?

Oct 21, 2023; Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Quote From Bruce Feldman

“When people compare a player to Derrick Henry, he’s probably a freak. Feagin is actually six pounds heavier than Henry was when he measured in the NFL combine. This offseason, Feagin vertical-jumped 39 inches (two inches more than Henry), broad-jumped 10-6 1/2 (2 1/2 inches less), and ran 21 mph, and he’s still only 20 years old. He earned All-Big Ten honorable mention recognition last year from the league’s coaches, running 4.6 yards per carry. On a 55-yard touchdown reception last season against Minnesota, Feagin clocked 20.3 mph running away from the Gophers defense.

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