CHAMPAIGN — Former Illinois running back Daniel Dufrene has died, multiple sources have confirmed. He was living in Chicago.
“He was a great teammate, was always willing to help out the younger players when I joined the team,” former Illini fullback/tight end Zach Becker said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I hope they can find peace. Illini Nation lost a good man.”
Dufrene played for Ron Zook’s teams from 2007 to ‘09 and followed Rashard Mendenhall in the lineup.
The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native was second on the team in rushing in 2008 with 663 yards and fourth in 2009 with 277 yards.