Illinois Football: 3 Illini Players That Impressed Me Against Nebraska
Oct 1, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Reggie Corbin (2) breaks away from Nebraska Cornhuskers safety Nate Gerry (25) in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
The Illinois football team fell to the Nebraska Cornhuskers yesterday, but there were a few players that stood out to me in this loss.
Despite the Illinois Fighting Illini losing, I think some players that we didn’t expect really grew as football players.
Here are the three players that really impressed me.
Reggie Corbin
The offense was a little stale over the last two games heading into the contest against Nebraska. This was changed for the Cornhuskers game, though.
I was shocked to see Reggie Corbin trot out as the starting running back for the Illini yesterday. This was a decision I was confused about but Lovie Smith’s vision came to fruition quickly.
Corbin really impressed me on the ground and through the air. He had 9 carries for 72 yards and gave the Illini a dose of speed we haven’t seen in a while.
In the passing game, Corbin also added 3 catches for 18 yards. He was an all-around good player for Illinois against Nebraska and I can’t wait to see what Lovie will do with him in the future.
Corbin hasn’t been used in the Illinois offense very often. This is the first season that he has played minutes because he is a redshirt freshman.
Last season, Corbin was supposed to play some snaps but he was injured before the season started and he missed the entire year.
But, with Corbin only being a freshman, that gives him three more years with the program after this season.
I loved what Corbin produced in the Nebraska game and moving forward I would like to see him set up in screens a little more as well.
Wes Lunt gets confidence when he starts completing passes. Throwing some half-back screens would enable completions and it would get the ball into a dangerous players hands.
The possibilities are endless for Corbin and the future is surely bright for this kid.
Oct 1, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey (15) and defensive end Ross Dzuris (88) tackle Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Malik Turner (11) in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Turner
Once again, Malik Turner was Lunt’s go to wide receiver in a football game. This duo is pretty solid and will continue being productive in the near future.
Turner had 5 catches for 57 yards in the game against Nebraska. He is the rock that the offense needs and now the quarterback just needs to get him the ball.
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Last season, Turner had 39 receptions for 510 yards and 3 touchdowns. In just four games this year, his numbers are already halfway there.
Turner currently has 20 receptions for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns this season. He is on pace to finish with 60 receptions for 840 yards and 9 touchdowns.
These aren’t top 10 all-time numbers in Illinois history but they are numbers that can lead to victories for the Illini.
I want to see the running game continue to open up the passing game. This will get Turner more receptions throughout the season.
Lunt needs to make sure Turner is his number one wide receiver. He has great talent and is one of the best we have had in a while.
Sep 17, 2016; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Patrick Nelson (21) tackles Western Michigan Broncos running back Jarvion Franklin (31) during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. Western Michigan beat Illinois 34 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports
Patrick Nelson
When Patrick Nelson came into the Illinois football program I thought he had a chance to be pretty good. He was a talented high school product that they nabbed.
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Nelson had a chance to play year one as well. But, much like the recent history of the Illinois sports programs, he fell to an injury.
For Nelson’s freshman campaign, he ended up redshirting because of the injury. This enabled him to still be a freshman this season.
Nelson finally got a chance to play college football week one against Murray State. He only had a fumble recovery but it was just the beginning.
This last game against Nebraska was Nelson’s coming out party. He really showed why the wait was worth it.
Nelson led the entire Illinois team in tackles with 16 on the day. He flew around the field and was a key player in the Illini’s attempt to beat Nebraska.
I can’t wait to see how Nelson continues to develop. He is a great young player that has such a high upside.
Illinois is a little weak at defensive back but with Nelson getting healthy I think we will be okay in the future.
Having Nelson in the Illini defensive backfield is going to help the team this season and it will also help them win for years to come.