Illinois Football Committed to a Balanced Offensive Attack

During his fall camp opening presser (7/29), OC Barry Lunney Jr. stated that Illinois Football will be committed to a balanced offensive attack during 2024.

Throughout last season, major injuries struck the Illinois Football starters early and often. Certainly, no position was more severely affected than the running backs unit. Aidan Laughery, Josh McCray, Reggie Love III, Kaden Feagin, and Jordan Anderson each faced separate setbacks, derived from injuries, during 2023. Freshman Jordan Anderson suffered a season-ending ACL tear, while RS-Sophomore Josh McCray cut his season short only 5 games in, due to a neck injury.

Furthermore, Reggie Love III decided to step away from Illinois Football after 2023. Of course, following former Illini assistant Corey Patterson to the Purdue Boilermakers, who are now led by former Illini Defensive Coordinator Ryan Walters.

Despite the hardships that Bret Bielema’s ball carriers have faced, there is a high level of optimism surrounding the sheer depth and talent the unit possesses entering 2024. As of today, this Illini running backs are healthy, or “full go rodeo”, and ready to get to work, according to Bret Bielema. In addition, Thad Ward‘s unit was able to add speedy Ca’lil Valentine to the mix, who will be a key developmental piece to the room.

Barry Lunney Jr plans to take full advantage of his increased arsenal, and mastermind a more balanced attack in 2024.

Jan 2, 2023; Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lunney On A More Balanced Illini Offense

“Well, we’ve got to make a commitment to it. It’s gotta permeate through the organization.” says the Illini offensive coordinator. “As a play caller, it starts with me, and the way we structure things, and the way we play. We have done some things in the offseason to help us enhance what we’ve been doing, and how we’ve been doing it. like you always do.” Furthermore, the Illinois Football play caller finishes “We are gonna be a better football team if we can run the football effectively. That’s just what good football teams do. We have got to run the ball better on our end.

Video Credit: Illini Inquirer 

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