mhuml32
- Cincinnati, OH
A) I don't think we have the right appreciation for how good Feagin was this year. Feagin almost led the team in rushing as a true freshman. Compared to other Illinois freshman RBs who got playing time in their first years, he had 2x rushing yards of Rashard Mendenhall, 3x of Leshoure, and more than Josh Ferguson. Who is going into B1G next season with a higher ceiling than Feagin? The Big Ten stunk running the ball last year. Monangai might be the only guy with greater expectations going into next year based on talent alone.
A better example would be "what would happen if Feagin entered the portal?" My guess is a program like Michigan would immediately grab him. A transfer portal RB isn't going to a place where there's a freshman running back who almost gained 500 rushing yards without facing any of the cupcake schedule.
B) This list proves my point - A chunk of these programs falls under "better success than Illinois and has chance at conference title" - NC State, Mizzou, UK, Oklahoma, Louisville. Another chunk has a great opportunity based on conference and need for a new RB (Arizona State, South Carolina, Boston College). Arizona State had the best transfer RB this past year (likely off to the NFL) so it makes sense they could sell that in the portal. South Carolina is losing a good chunk of their offense and pays well. Treshaun Ward is going to be the lead back at Boston College. Memphis is a sneaky great landing spot because they have been one of the best G5 running game since pre-Norvell.
If anything, I wonder if Illinois would be interesting in a smaller back who can pick up blitzes and be a dependable relief valve on third downs. It seemed obvious that Illinois trusted Laughery to do this when Feagin was starting and the other backs were injured, but not sure I would say he excelled. Next year will be make-or-break for him. If he can provide 350 rushing/175 receiving, that's probably what they need.
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