Leshoure hopes to chair Illini RB committee

"Not only college, but the NFL, too, it's a tough game, and it takes a pounding on your body," Leshoure said. "It's a long season, so it's real good to have at least one other back to split some carries with. And if you've got some other guys to step in and take some carries off of those two, that's even better."

Illinois' coaches believe they have enough players to share carries and not overburden one back. Head coach Ron Zook and new offensive coordinator Paul Petrino expect to use a committee system at running back this season.

Rittenberg