Chase Brown, Illinois Football News: Draft Scout Player News

10/23/22 - RB Chase Brown, Sr/2023, Illinois

It has been an eventful stretch for Chase Brown. The Illinois star became the season's first 1,000-yard rusher in the Football Bowl Subdivision on Oct. 15 and only the third player in program history to reach the milestone in back-to-back years. He was named an Associated Press midseason All-American on Tuesday and the next day the Illini unveiled a "Chasing History" webpage to promote his candidacy for postseason honors. The fifth-year running back is the undisputed headliner of a resurgent Illinois team that, at No. 18, has its highest ranking since 2011 and is first in the Big Ten West. "I wanted this season to be something to remember," Brown said. "Right now we're just over halfway, and I'm not just happy with the wins. Personally, I think we can push this way further than where it is right now. I'm so excited to see where it can end up." Brown managed to rush for 1,005 yards last season despite missing two games because of injury, and he has prioritized taking care of his body with the Illini (6-1, 3-1) relying on him more this year.

He's carrying the ball an average of 10 times more per game, and he set a national single-game high with 41 attempts for 180 yards in a 26-14 win over Minnesota on Oct. 15. He also caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Tommy DeVito in that game. Illinois visits Nebraska this week, and backup running back Josh McCray, injured in the season opener, could be available to take some of the load off Brown. Brown's 1,059 yards rushing and his per-game averages of 27.4 carries and 29.6 scrimmage touches lead the nation. "He's a workhorse man," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said. "Their scheme matches what he does really well, especially their counter game and their power game. He's a special back. He's got speed, twitch, quickness, power. He's got it all." - AP College Football

Sr/2023