Illinois Football Flips explosive running back from Rutgers

Illinois Football Flips 3-Star Running Back John Forster From Rutgers

Yet another commitment flips for the Illinois football coaching and recruiting Staff.

After already flipping 4-star linebacker Grant Beerman from Purdue, and 3-star offensive line Dylan Frechette from FIU, the Fighting Illini have now landed a commitment from former Rutgers running back pledge (3-star) John Forster.

The Montvale, New Jersey native has been committed to his in-state university since June, and despite a 7-5 season in 2024, with a bowl game ahead, and a promising future under head coach Greg Schiano, the former Scarlett Knights commit has now decided to take his many talents to the 217.

It appears the ongoing persistence of the Illini Staff paid off in the long run. Of course, winning and the Illini’s increasingly optimistic future under Bielema certainly don’t hurt either. (Two 8+ win seasons in the first 4 years of the Bielema Era)

Forster’s Addition to the 2025 class puts the Illini at 21 commits who have signed their National Letter of Intent, boosting Illinois Football to 42nd in the nation in the 2025 rankings. (247 Sports)

IMPACT

The Illini’s newest 5’11, 185-pound combo back is a multi-tool player.

Over the course of his senior season, Forster totaled an impressive 629 yards and 5 touchdowns on 133 carries (4.7 yards per carry) for St. Joseph HS (Metuchen, NJ). Additionally, the hybrid back tabbed up 148 yards on 10 passes for the Falcons on the way to the NJ Private Schools semi-finals. (14.8 yards per catch).

The Illini running back room currently boasts impressive depth. However, pending almost certain attrition, next year’s unit will host 1 Senior (Josh McCray), 3 Juniors (Kaden Feagen, Aidan Laughery, Jordan Anderson), and a Sophomore speedback (Ca’lil Valentine) in 2025. Of course, in addition to two freshmen, being the Illini’s recent commit in Forster, and Florida native Cedric Wyche. After a year or two of development, there is certainly a good chance that this talented combo back could be the bell cow of Illinois offense in 2026 and beyond.

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