How Does the Illini’s Injury-Plagued Running Back Room in 2023 Translate to 2024?

The lesson Illinois running back Thad Ward took from the multiple injuries involved in his positional group in 2023 is remembering to keep personal attention to everybody. 

Matt Stevens, IlliniGuys Staff Writer

August 14, 2024

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Thad Ward is approaching 19 years as an assistant coach in college football. Bret Bielema is entering his 16th season as a head coach at a power conference program. 

And neither of these men say they can remember a year being a part of a position group so badly ravaged by injuries as what transpired inside the running back room during Illinois’ 2023 . . .

 

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