Mike Epstein’s emergence as a leading running back for the Illini program has been one of the main reasons for this undefeated start to the 2017 season. He has stormed onto the scene and is carrying the ball better than we have seen from a freshman running back in the history of this great program.
Now, remember, freshmen weren’t allowed to play until the rules change in 1972. That is why you won’t see some of the more historic, older, names on this list. But, some of the names that do don this list were special players in Illinois lore.